Healthy body, healthy mind
A recently published study of 7,087 people over the age of 65 revealed that people with metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk of cognitive decline. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterised by central obesity (most weight accumulated around the waist), raised blood pressure, raised triglycerides (fats in the blood), low HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ type that helps to clear cholesterol from the bloodstream) and raised blood sugar levels. It is known that metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease but as the new research shows, it also makes people more prone to cognitive decline and depression. Metabolic syndrome is a reversible condition. A low-fat plant-based diet is the best possible in prevention and treatment of this syndrome.
Raffaitin C. et al., 2011. Metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline in French elders: The Three-City Study. Neurology. 76 (6) 518-525.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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