The metabolic syndrome represents a complex combination of the symptoms obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipoproteinemia. Insulin resistance is the major pathophysiologjcal basis of the metabolic syndrome. There is a close association between the metabolic syndrome and its various components and vascular cognitive impairment. This article briefly reviews the mechanisms of metabolic syndrome caused vascular cognitive impairment, and summarizes the significance of controlling metabolic syndrome on the prevention and treatment of vascular cognitive impairment.