A recent study suggests that higher levels of HDL-C, often referred to as “good cholesterol,” may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in postmenopausal women.
This discovery, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, could shed light on why this cholesterol, typically seen as beneficial, might have a negative impact as women age.
Researchers, led by a team from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, have found that after women transition through menopause, it’s not just about the amount of HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, but the quality of those HDL particles.
Over time, the quality of these particles declines, potentially contributing to cognitive issues.
HDL particles differ in size, composition, and how well they function in the body. In this study, the research team analyzed the blood samples of 503 women from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN).
They observed that as women aged, the number of larger HDL particles increased, but these larger particles did not perform as effectively as smaller ones.
From 2000 to 2016, the researchers conducted regular assessments of the women’s cognitive abilities, focusing on memory.
They found that women with a higher number of smaller HDL particles, especially those rich in phospholipids, were more likely to maintain better memory function as they aged. Phospholipids are important molecules that play a role in maintaining healthy brain cells.
According to the lead researcher, Dr. Samar R. El Khoudary, a professor of epidemiology at Pitt Public Health, this finding is significant because the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is often a loss of working memory.
The study highlights that the quality of HDL particles, not just the quantity, may influence brain health, particularly for women in midlife.
While this might sound alarming, there is good news. Previous research by El Khoudary’s team has shown that certain lifestyle choices can improve the quality of HDL particles.
For instance, following the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Life’s Essential 8 guidelines—which include staying physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking—can enhance the quality of HDL particles in the bloodstream.
This means that even if HDL levels are high, these health habits could improve the functionality of the particles, benefiting overall brain health.
Dr. El Khoudary emphasizes that although higher HDL-C levels may not protect against Alzheimer’s in older age, adopting healthier habits as early as your 40s could help. The same lifestyle changes that protect the heart can also support brain function.
So, focusing on factors like exercise, weight management, and quitting smoking could offer benefits beyond just heart health—they could help safeguard the brain as well.
The study’s first author, Dr. Meiyuzhen Qi, a postdoctoral researcher at Pitt Public Health, worked alongside a team of scientists from several institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Rush University, UCLA, and the University of Michigan.
Their research adds to a growing body of evidence that links cholesterol and brain health, offering new insights into how menopause and aging may affect cognitive decline.
This study highlights the complex relationship between cholesterol and brain health, particularly in women.
As researchers continue to investigate the underlying mechanisms, it’s becoming clear that the quality of cholesterol in the body plays a vital role, and making healthy lifestyle choices can have a long-term impact on both the heart and the brain.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about the likely cause of Alzheimer’s disease , and new non-drug treatment that could help prevent Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about diet that may help prevent Alzheimer’s, and results showing some dementia cases could be prevented by changing these 12 things.
The study is published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
