Recent research from Boston University indicates that maintaining the right balance of HDL cholesterol, often considered the “good” cholesterol, is crucial for long-term cognitive health. Both insufficient and excessive levels of HDL cholesterol in older adults are linked to a slight but significant increase in the risk of dementia.
High cholesterol levels increases dementia risk
Prior research in this field has yielded inconclusive findings. The current study, led by Maria Glymour, ScD from Boston University, stands out due to its substantial participant pool and extended tracking period. As noted by Glymour in a media statement, the extensive dataset enabled a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between cholesterol levels and dementia, providing accurate estimations for individuals with both high and low cholesterol levels.
The study encompassed 184,367 individuals enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health Plan, with an average age of 70 years. At the outset of the research, all participants were devoid of dementia. The investigation centered on assessing health-related behaviors, and cholesterol levels were monitored during regular medical appointments, which took place approximately 2.5 times per year throughout the subsequent two years.
Approximately 184,367 individuals enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health Plan, with an average age of 70 years. At the outset of the research, all participants were devoid of dementia. The investigation centered on assessing health-related behaviors, and cholesterol levels were monitored during regular medical appointments, which took place approximately 2.5 times per year throughout the subsequent two years.
Low-density lipoprotein linked to increased dementia risk
The researchers considered various factors that might affect the risk of dementia, including alcohol consumption, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. They found a minor connection between low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, and the risk of dementia.
Prof. Glymour added that the study discovered unexpected small increases in dementia risk associated with both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol. However, the clinical significance of these findings remains uncertain. In contrast, there was no observed link between LDL cholesterol and dementia risk in the study group.
