Keeping cholesterol levels stable may protect against dementia.
Keeping cholesterol levels stable may protect against dementia.
Fluctuating Cholesterol Levels May Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Could swings in your blood fat levels increase your chances of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? According to a study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, fluctuating cholesterol levels among older adults may indeed increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The study found that individuals with the most fluctuations in cholesterol had a 19% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Similarly, those with the most fluctuations in triglyceride levels had a 23% increased risk. These findings suggest a potential relationship between cholesterol variability and cognitive decline.
However, it is important to note that the study does not prove causation. Dr. Marc Lawrence Gordon, chief of neurology at Northwell Health’s Zucker Hillside Hospital, emphasized that these fluctuations may not be the direct cause of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. He cautioned against making drastic changes based solely on this study’s data.
Lead researcher Suzette Bielinski believes that despite the inability to establish a causal relationship, the findings could be helpful. Fluctuations in cholesterol and triglyceride levels over time may provide valuable information for identifying individuals at greater risk for dementia. Understanding the mechanisms behind dementia development and potentially leveling out these fluctuations could contribute to reducing dementia risk.
The study analyzed data from over 11,500 men and women aged 60 and older who did not have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Over an average of 13 years of follow-up, the researchers observed that those with the most variation in their cholesterol levels experienced a greater risk for cognitive decline. Out of the 2,400 people who developed Alzheimer’s or dementia, 515 with the most variations in cholesterol levels developed dementia, compared to 483 in the group with the least variation.
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While the exact reasons behind the correlation between cholesterol fluctuations and Alzheimer’s disease remain unclear, Christopher Weber, director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasizes the interconnection between heart health and brain health. Fluctuating cholesterol levels can impact the brain’s vascular health, contributing to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Weber further suggests that the dysfunction of blood vessels in the brain could play a role in the connection between cholesterol fluctuations and Alzheimer’s. This dysfunction may affect cerebral blood flow and increase the risk of cognitive impairment later in life. Thus, maintaining a low and stable level of cholesterol and triglycerides may be beneficial for reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Ultimately, it is important to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice concerning cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels, and cognitive decline. Maintaining good heart health, engaging in regular physical activity, and staying socially engaged are backed by strong evidence to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. While research in this field is still evolving, taking proactive steps towards heart- and brain-healthy lifestyles can have long-term benefits.
Sources: – Christopher Weber, PhD, director, global science initiatives, Alzheimer’s Association – Marc Lawrence Gordon, MD, chief, neurology, Northwell Health Zucker Hillside Hospital, Great Neck, N.Y. – Neurology, July 5, 2023, online
