Study indicates relationship between ‘good’ cholesterol and dementia – 01/04/2024 – Balance and Health

A study recently published by the scientific journal The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific indicates that excessively high levels of good cholesterol, HDL, may be associated with a greater risk of dementia among the elderly.

Researchers at Monash University, Australia, followed a group of 18,688 participants aged 65 and over for more than six years.

All were considered healthy at the beginning of the study, with no diagnosis of physical or mental illnesses. After the period, 850 participants were diagnosed with dementia (4.6%).

Scientists observed a 27% higher risk of developing cognitive dementia among those who had very high HDL levels at the beginning of follow-up. Considering only older participants (75 years or older), the risk rose to 42% compared to those with ideal cholesterol levels.

The study considered HDL levels above 80 mg/dL to be excessively high. The rates considered normal and used as a reference by researchers ranged from 40 to 60 mg/dL.

According to the research, the increased risk of dementia associated with high levels of good cholesterol “appeared to be independent of traditional dementia risk factors, including level of physical activity, alcohol intake, education, diabetes or smoking.”

For researchers, there is still a lack of research that explains the relationship between high HDL and the increased risk of dementia. They consider, however, that the evidence obtained can guide strategies for the early identification of individuals at high risk for dementia.

Previous studies suggested that moderately high HDL levels were associated with better cognitive function, while low levels were linked to increased severity of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to group a set of diseases that manifest themselves through cognitive loss, that is, the patient loses skills they have mastered, compromising their autonomy and leading to dependence on others. Although it is much more common in the elderly, it can affect individuals of all ages.