A latent clinical-anatomical dimension relating metabolic syndrome to brain structure and cognition

Abstract

The link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and neurodegenerative as well cerebrovascular conditions holds substantial implications for brain health in at-risk populations. This study elucidates the complex relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and brain health by conducting a comprehensive examination of cardiometabolic risk factors, cortical morphology, and cognitive function in 40,087 individuals. Multivariate, data-driven statistics identified a latent dimension linking more severe MetS to widespread cortical abnormalities and lower cognitive performance, accounting for up to 77% of shared variance in the data. This dimension was replicable across sub-samples. Our results also suggest that MetS-related cortical effects are shaped by the regional cellular composition and macroscopic brain network organization. By leveraging extensive, multi-domain data combined with a dimensional stratification approach, our analysis provides profound insights into the association of MetS and brain health. These findings underscore the necessity for effective risk mitigation strategies aimed at maintaining brain integrity.