THE STROOP TEST AS A TOOL FOR ASSESSING COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate cognitive functions in patients with metabolic syndrome with clinical and metabolic indicators using the Stroop test.
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a complex of disorders that includes abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders and hypertension. MetS negatively affects cognitive functions, including many types of executive functions, information processing speed and word production connections.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Clinical Diagnostic Center of the International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Khoja Ahmet Yasawi in the city of Turkestan. The study included a questionnaire, clinical laboratory tests, and cognitive function assessment. The Stroop test was used to assess cognitive functions. The data obtained during the study were statistically processed using a trial version of SPSS 25.0.
Results: The study involved 552 patients, 276 of whom were diagnosed with MS. Women predominated in the study sample (76,8%, n=424), and the average age of the subjects was 53,07 years. The study included a higher proportion of individuals over 60 years of age (31.2%) and found statistically significant differences by age (p < 0.001) among those under 50 years of age. However, statistically significant differences were found by education level, alcohol consumption, and BMI (p < 0.001). All participants showed statistically significant differences between clinical and metabolic parameters with test results at p < 0.001. The median total score at T1 was statistically significantly lower in patients with metabolic syndrome (p = 0.002). T2, T3, and B1 were also statistically significantly higher in the MetS group (p < 0.001). Quartile distribution revealed significant differences at T1 (p = 0.006), T2 (p < 0.001), and T3 (p = 0.012). The results of the Stroop quartile distribution showed statistical significance at all three stages with triglyceride levels T1 p = 0.007, T2 p < 0.001, T3 p = 0.005 and with blood pressure indicators at T2 p = 0.001, T3 p = 0.004 and at B1 p = 0.037, 0.033.
Сonclusions: As a result, patients with metabolic syndrome exhibit signs of cognitive decline, primarily in attention and executive control, while information processing efficiency remains relatively intact. The study's results demonstrate that cognitive assessment enables the early identification and intervention of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. Our findings highlight the need for screening and prevention of cognitive impairment in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: cognitive impairment, cognitive control, metabolic syndrome, Stroop test, neuropsychological assessment