OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive dysfunction. Changes in human body composition may be linked to the development of cognitive dysfunction. Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation and reduced muscle mass, is implicated in various adverse health outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, Sinomed, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for studies examining the link between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive dysfunction. The process adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Eight studies, comprising 87,520 participants (5 cohort and 3 cross-sectional studies) were included. Meta-analysis using a random effects model addressed high heterogeneity (=0.020, I=50.1%) and demonstrated a statistically significant association between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive dysfunction (odds ratio=1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.48-2.12, <0.001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings, although funnel plots indicated some dispersion bias. Subgroup analyses based on varying diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity and cognitive dysfunction revealed consistent associations.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenic obesity is associated with cognitive dysfunction. However, further research utilizing standardized diagnostic criteria and methodologies is essential to corroborate these findings.