Brain aging and metabolic syndrome: a study in Cenischia Valley (Piedmont).

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a set of conditions, each of which represents a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension). Recent studies have identified an association between MetS and increased risk of dementia (Vascular Dementia and Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease ). The purpose of our research is the study of brain aging and cognitive decline in a sample of elderly people (n=200) belonging to a rural alpine community, in relation to MetS and polymorphisms of some genes related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (APOE, FTO and PARL). The study includes analysis of nutritional, behavioral and cultural factors and the assessment of their influence on maintaining health and functionality in aging. Here we report some of the preliminary results of our study. This research has been reviewed and received ethics approval by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Turin.