Abstract

EFFECT OF ABDOMINAL OBESITY AND SERUM LIPID MARKERS ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL INDIAN WOMEN

Nayanatara AK, Sheila R Pai*, Sneha B Shetty, Bhagyalakshmi K, Anupama N, Rekha D Kini, Vinodini NA, Ramesh Bhat, Pratik Kumar Chatterjee

ABSTRACT

Dementia is a major public health concern in aging populations. Cognitive performance is predictive of subsequent dementia. Declining cognitive functions is one of the hallmark changes that occur during and after menopause. Physical effects of obesity on health are welldocumented. Variations in the serum lipid profiles have been implicated in various diseased conditions. The assessment of risk factors might have a protective effect on cognitive performance in menopausal women.The main objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of abdominal obesity and serum lipid profile on cognitive function parameters in menopausal women.The present study included a total of 60 healthy women (45-65years). Participants were categorized into control group and overweight/obese groups based on the body mass index (control group, BMI of 18.5-24.9; overweight/obese group, BMI ≥ 25.0; n=30 in each group).Waist circumference, waist hip ratio and serum lipid profile was analyzed. Cognitive function was evaluated by ADDENBROOKE’S COGNITIVE EXAMINATION-ACE-R. Waist circumference, waist hip ratio, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride and serum LDL showed a significant increase (P<0.001) in the overweight/obese group when compared to the control group. Further, cognitive parameters such as Mini Mental Scale examination (MMS-E), Orientation, Attention, Memory and Visuo Spatial ability showed a significant decrease (P<0.001) in the overweight/obese group. Verbal fluency and language did not show any significant changes in between the control group and the overweight/obese group. In conclusion the present study suggests that the lipid markers and the increased abdominal obesity might be the independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in post-menopausal women as the age advances.

Keywords: Abdominal obesity, Post menopause, cognitive functions, Serum lipid profile.