Variability in cholesterol levels linked to increased risk of dementia

From a clinical point of view, Failure to adhere to strategies that improve lipid profiles, such as a healthy diet and exercise, can exacerbate the negative effects of harmful lipids on the brain.. This is supported by preliminary research, which is part of the content American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions which will take place in Chicago starts next Saturday, November 16th.

This scientific work could add an important piece of the brain health puzzle providing evidence that increased variability in cholesterol levels is associated with cognitive decline.

The study included 9,846 ASPREE study participants. The average age of participants was 74 years; 55% were women and 96% were white adults. Eighty-seven percent of participants lived in Australia and 13% in the United States and participated in the study between 2010 and 2014. Although one third were taking cholesterol-lowering medications, none of the nearly 10,000 participants started, stopped or changed their lipid levels. reduction in medication use during the observation period.

Oscillation Effects

High variations (in the top 25%) of total cholesterol were associated with a 60% increase in dementia and a 23% decrease in cognitive function.

Fluctuations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol) and total cholesterol were associated with significantly faster declines in overall scores on tests of cognitive health and on tests involving memory and reaction speed. Except, these increased fluctuations in high-density lipoprotein (“good” HDL cholesterol) or triglyceride levels were not associated with dementia.

or cognitive impairment.

From the authors’ point of view, a possible explanation for this link between cholesterol and dementia It is hypothesized that significant fluctuations in total and LDL cholesterol levels may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, which are composed predominantly of LDL cholesterol. This destabilization may increase the risk of plaque growth, rupture, and subsequent obstruction of blood flow to the brain, which may therefore affect brain function.

“If future studies confirm a causal relationship, reducing cholesterol variability could be a promising therapeutic target for dementia. It is important to note that our results should not be misinterpreted as suggesting that lowering cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes or lipid-lowering medications is harmful to brain health.”

– one of the authors commented, Dr. Zhen Zhou, Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne.