A new study suggests that significant fluctuations in cholesterol levels among older adults, not linked to changes in medication, could signal a higher risk of dementia or cognitive decline.
Researchers presented these findings at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting in Chicago.
The study highlights that year-to-year swings in cholesterol, especially in LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels, could be a warning sign for future cognitive health issues.
The study was led by Dr. Zhen Zhou from Monash University, Australia, who emphasized that older people with these cholesterol changes might need more regular check-ups and preventive care.
The research team used data from a large clinical trial called ASPREE, which followed nearly 10,000 adults in the U.S. and Australia. These participants, who initially had no dementia, had their cholesterol monitored annually.
Notably, none of the participants changed their cholesterol-lowering medications during the follow-up, which helped the researchers focus on natural cholesterol variability rather than medication effects.
Over nearly six years, 509 participants developed dementia, and 1,760 showed signs of cognitive decline without a dementia diagnosis.
The researchers found that those with the most dramatic cholesterol changes (in the top 25%) had a 60% higher chance of developing dementia and a 23% higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those with stable levels.
Notably, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol fluctuations were linked to quicker declines in memory and processing speed.
However, HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and triglycerides, another form of blood fat, were not linked to dementia or cognitive decline in this study.
The exact reasons for this connection are still unclear, but Dr. Zhou speculated that major fluctuations in LDL cholesterol might cause instability in artery plaques, primarily composed of LDL cholesterol.
This instability could increase the risk of plaque buildup, rupture, and potential blood flow blockage in the brain, which could affect brain function.
Experts like Dr. Fernando D. Testai from the University of Illinois Chicago highlighted that variability in health markers, like blood pressure or blood sugar, has already been associated with harm to both heart and brain health.
These findings add to that idea, suggesting that significant cholesterol shifts could similarly affect cognitive health.
However, the study does have limitations. Cholesterol levels can vary for numerous reasons not examined in this research, and nearly all participants were white, meaning the results might not apply universally.
Additionally, as an observational study, it does not confirm that cholesterol fluctuations directly cause dementia, only that they’re associated with a higher risk.
Further research would be needed to prove a cause-and-effect relationship, potentially opening up cholesterol stability as a target for dementia prevention.
The findings come amid statistics showing that high LDL cholesterol remains a global health concern, linked to millions of deaths each year. In the U.S. alone, about a quarter of adults have elevated “bad” cholesterol levels.
However, Dr. Zhou warned against interpreting the study to mean that lowering cholesterol levels is harmful to brain health.
Instead, she suggests that if a clear link is proven in future studies, managing cholesterol variability itself might become a promising approach to support brain health in aging populations.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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