Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Cognitive Dysfunction: A Pharmacological Perspective

Metabolic syndrome (Met-S) is an interrelated complex disease which involves physical, metabolic and endocrinal dysfunction and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and diabetes. Neurocognitive dysfunction may also be an important sequel of Met-S and factors like ageing and cerebrovascular insufficiency may also contribute to the development of such deficits. A classic example is the association of Met-S with the development and progression of cognitive deficits seen in Alzheimer’s DiseaseMetabolic syndrome and associated cognitive dysfunctionAlzheimer’s Disease (AD). One major pathogenic similarity between cognitive deficits of Met-S (Associated with diabetes) and AD is the amyloid deposits in the islets of pancreas and brain (hippocampus, cortex). Insulin resistance and impairments in insulin signalling play defining roles in the onset and development of AD related cognitive deficits. In order to cope with the unmet need for developing rational therapeutic modalities for Met-S associated cognitive dysfunctionMetabolic syndrome and associated cognitive dysfunctioncognitive dysfunction, the related signalling pathways are being extensively researched for the development of newer/more viable therapeutic strategies. Recent data has shown that dietary factors, nutraceuticals and medicinal plant derived agentsMetabolic syndrome and associated cognitive dysfunctionmedicinal plant derived agents could have the potential to be effective and safe neuroprotective options for the treatment of Met-S induced cognitive deficits. The present chapter overviews the neurobiology of Met-S induced cognitive dysfunction and its pharmacological perspectives.