BACKGROUND : longitudinal data as regards the link between the cumulative effect of cardiometabolic disorders and cognition are relatively scant and heterogeneous. OBJECTIVE: we examined the cross-time associations of MetS status with cognitive performance in ageing adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: using data from the French SU.VI.MAX cohort, we studied 2,788 adults. The presence of abdominal obesity, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and elevated blood pressure was clinically evaluated in 1994-96. Cognitive performance was assessed after a mean of 13 years via a battery of six validated instruments. The standardised individual test scores were summed up to provide a composite cognitive performance measure; principal component analysis was performed to define performance scores on verbal memory and executive functioning. Associations between MetS and subsequent cognitive performance were examined via ANCOVA, providing estimates of mean difference and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: MetS status at midlife was not associated with subsequent cognitive function. However, a 1-unit increase in the number of cardiometabolic disorders present was associated with a decrease in the composite cognitive score (mean difference = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.68, -0.05). Significant associations were also found with several cardiometabolic disorders (hyperglycaemia, central obesity and dyslipidaemia) and specific cognitive domains. CONCLUSION: this study supports the existence of a cross-time, cumulative effect of cardiometabolic disorders present at midlife and subsequent cognitive performance. Given the worldwide population ageing and the increase in MetS prevalence, there is an urgent need for recommendations as regards cognitive ageing.