New Study Shows “Good Cholesterol” May Increase Dementia Risk
A recent study published in the journal Neurology has challenged the long-held belief that high levels of “good cholesterol” are beneficial for overall health. The study suggests that high density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly referred to as “good cholesterol,” may actually increase the risk of dementia in older individuals.
The study, conducted by researchers who tracked over 180,000 California residents, followed participants for an average of nine years. The subjects, who were originally surveyed between 2002 and 2007, are now around 70 years old on average. During the course of the study, approximately 25,000 people developed dementia.
One of the key findings from the study was that individuals with the highest levels of HDL cholesterol had a 15 percent higher rate of dementia compared to those in the middle group. Moreover, those with the lowest levels of HDL cholesterol had a 7 percent higher rate of dementia compared to the middle group. These results indicate that both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol could increase the risk of developing dementia.
Study author Maria Glymour emphasized the significance of the study’s findings, stating, “Previous studies on this topic have been inconclusive and this study is especially informative because of the large number of participants and long follow-up.” Glymour further highlighted that the study allowed for precise estimates, even for individuals with cholesterol levels that are considerably high or low.
While the study sheds new light on the potential risks associated with HDL cholesterol, it did not identify any significant impact of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “bad cholesterol,” on dementia rates. This finding suggests that LDL cholesterol may not be linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Glymour acknowledged that the implications of the study’s findings on dementia risk are still uncertain. She stated, “The elevation in dementia risk with both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol was unexpected, but these increases are small, and their clinical significance is uncertain.” The study emphasizes the complex associations between HDL cholesterol and diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and now dementia.
This study follows another released in July, which also explored the association between cholesterol levels and dementia risk. That study found that individuals with fluctuating cholesterol levels are at a 19 percent higher risk of developing dementia. Taken together, these studies highlight the need for further research to better understand the potential link between cholesterol levels and cognitive health.
As the scientific community grapples with these new findings, it is important for individuals to maintain a balanced approach to their cholesterol levels. The recommended “healthy” HDL amount is around 40 mg/dL in the blood, while the study participants had an average of approximately 54 mg/dL. Achieving a balance and understanding the potential risks associated with HDL cholesterol may be crucial in reducing the risk of dementia.
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