IN ADULTS with Down syndrome, metabolic syndrome was uncommon, but obesity associated with Alzheimer’s dementia risk.
Study Overview
Investigators examined baseline data from the Alzheimer Biomarkers Consortium – Down Syndrome cohort including 389 adults. The analysis estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components, then used logistic regression to evaluate relationships with Alzheimer’s disease at baseline. This design enabled assessment of cardiometabolic profiles alongside cognitive status within a well characterized group of adults with Down syndrome.
Metabolic Syndrome in Down Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome prevalence was low in adults with Down syndrome, despite a higher prevalence of obesity. Diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were each infrequent. As a composite measure, metabolic syndrome was not associated with Alzheimer’s disease at baseline. These findings suggest the conventional clustering of cardiometabolic factors may present differently in this population, which has distinct neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative trajectories. Continued characterization of metabolic syndrome in Down syndrome will help clarify whether thresholds or patterns require tailored clinical interpretation.
Obesity and Dementia Risk
Obesity emerged as the salient subcomponent. Individuals with obesity had higher odds of Alzheimer’s disease, with an odds ratio of 2.79 and a P value of 0.021. Other components of metabolic syndrome were not reported as significantly associated with Alzheimer’s disease in this analysis. The signal supports consideration of obesity as an independent risk factor for dementia among adults with Down syndrome, even when full metabolic syndrome criteria are not met.
Clinical Takeaways
For clinicians caring for adults with Down syndrome, routine screening for obesity and proactive counselling on weight management may be especially relevant to dementia risk reduction strategies. While metabolic syndrome was not associated with Alzheimer’s disease in this cohort, the obesity association warrants attention to nutrition, physical activity, and longitudinal cognitive monitoring, particularly when other risk factors are present. Integrating structured weight management support into adult Down syndrome care pathways may offer meaningful preventive value.
Reference: Dass D et al. Examination of metabolic syndrome in Down syndrome and association with dementia. Alzheimers Dement. 2025;21(10):e70799.
