Cholesterol Fluctuations May Signal Increased Dementia Risk in Older Adults
TL;DR
Fluctuating cholesterol levels may someday help identify higher dementia risk, giving a competitive advantage in proactive preventive interventions.
The study used in-trial and post-trial data of almost 10,000 adults in their 70s to determine cholesterol variability and its association with dementia risk.
Identifying people with higher risk of developing dementia can lead to proactive interventions and better understanding of dementia development for a healthier future.
Fluctuating cholesterol levels unrelated to medication can indicate increased dementia risk, potentially leading to new preventive interventions.
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Researchers have found that older adults with fluctuating cholesterol levels may be at higher risk for developing dementia or experiencing cognitive decline, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 10,000 adults in their 70s over a six-year period, revealed that those with stable cholesterol levels had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with fluctuating levels.
Lead author Zhen Zhou, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, stated that older individuals with fluctuating cholesterol levels unrelated to lipid-lowering medications may require closer monitoring and proactive preventive interventions. The study found that high fluctuations in total cholesterol were associated with a 60% increase in dementia risk and a 23% increase in cognitive decline.
The research utilized data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) clinical trial, focusing on participants who had not changed their lipid-lowering medication during the follow-up period. The findings showed that variations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol were linked to faster declines in overall cognitive health, memory, and reaction speed.
While the exact relationship between cholesterol variability and dementia risk requires further investigation, Zhou suggested that significant fluctuations in total and LDL cholesterol levels may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, potentially impacting brain function. However, the study has limitations, including the predominantly white participant pool and the observational nature of the research.
These findings could have significant implications for dementia prevention and early detection strategies. If future research confirms a cause-and-effect relationship, reducing cholesterol variability could become a promising therapeutic target for dementia. The study also emphasizes the importance of maintaining stable cholesterol levels through consistent lifestyle modifications and medication adherence.
As the global population ages and dementia rates are projected to rise, understanding the link between cholesterol fluctuations and cognitive health becomes increasingly crucial. This research provides valuable insights that could help healthcare providers identify at-risk individuals earlier and implement more effective preventive measures, potentially reducing the growing burden of dementia on individuals, families, and healthcare systems worldwide.
Curated from NewMediaWire
