Recent studies indicate that elderly individuals experiencing varying cholesterol and triglyceride levels could face an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias when compared to those with consistent levels. The study pointed out a correlation but stopped short of affirming that these fluctuations directly cause dementia; more investigation is required to fully comprehend the link.
The research, published in the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal, Neurology, reveals that older people with inconsistent cholesterol and triglyceride levels might be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias than those with stable levels. Importantly, the study correlated the fluctuations with dementia but did not establish them as a direct cause.
The study’s author, Suzette J. Bielinski, Ph.D., of the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the pressing need for strategies to prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias. She mentioned that regular screening of cholesterol and triglyceride levels could help in identifying those at higher risk for dementia, comprehending how dementia develops, and exploring whether stabilizing these fluctuations might reduce dementia risk.
In this research, 11,571 individuals aged 60 or above without prior Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnoses were examined. Their total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL levels were measured on at least three different days in the five years preceding the study.
The study’s participants were divided into five groups based on the variations in their measurements. The group with the least fluctuations was compared to the group with the most.
Over an average follow-up of 13 years, 2,473 participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
When adjusting for factors like sex, race, education, and treatments for lowering lipids, researchers discovered that those in the group with the most cholesterol variation faced a 19% heightened risk of dementia. Among triglycerides, the risk increased by 23% for those in the highest fluctuation group.
However, the study did not uncover a relationship between changes in LDL and HDL levels and a higher dementia risk.
Bielinski noted the uncertainty regarding the connection between fluctuating cholesterol and triglycerides and Alzheimer’s risk, calling for more research to confirm the findings and possibly consider preventive measures.
The study titled “Association Between Fluctuations in Blood Lipid Levels Over Time With Incident Alzheimer Disease and Alzheimer Disease Related Dementias” was published on 5 July 2023 in Neurology. [DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207595]
One shortcoming of the research was that it treated Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as a collective category, without distinguishing between different types of dementia.
The study received support from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Alzheimer’s disease
What is the main finding of the research on fluctuating cholesterol levels?
The main finding is that older individuals with fluctuating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to those with stable levels. The research identified a correlation but did not establish that these fluctuations are a direct cause of dementia.
How were the participants of the study divided?
The participants were divided into five equal groups based on how much their measurements of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL fluctuated over time. The lowest group had the least variation and the highest group had the most.
Did the study establish a direct cause between fluctuating lipid levels and dementia?
No, while the study identified a correlation between fluctuating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and an increased risk of dementia, it did not establish a causal relationship. More research is needed to understand this connection.
How many people were followed in the study, and what were the main results?
The study followed 11,571 people aged 60 or older for an average of 13 years. During that time, 2,473 people developed Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Those in the highest group of total cholesterol fluctuation had a 19% increased risk, and those in the highest group for triglycerides had a 23% increased risk.
Was there a link found between variations in LDL and HDL and an increased risk of dementia?
No, the researchers did not find a link between variations in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of dementia.
Who conducted the study, and where was it published?
The study was led by Suzette J. Bielinski, Ph.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and was published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
What was one limitation of the study?
A limitation of the study was that researchers looked at Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as a whole and did not differentiate between the types of dementia.
Was the study supported by any particular institution?
Yes, the study was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
6 comments
Really makes u think about health, doesn’t it? should get my cholesterol checked regularly from now on.
My grandma has both high cholesterol and dementia – maybe this explains it? would like to know more. How can doctors use this info to help?
Can’t believe how much cholesterol can affect us. From heart disease to Alzheimer’s, its really a silent killer. How can we control it better?
Wow, this study is eye opening! Never knew that fluctuating cholesterol could be linked to dementia. It’s urgent that we understand this connection fully.
the study seems very large-scale but what about different types of dementia, they didn’t differentiate. that seems like a big oversight!
Interesting findings but not sure if its solid, correlation doesn’t mean causation! They need to dig deeper to prove anything.