Seoul, South Korea – A recent study conducted in Korea has uncovered a potential link between ‘bad’ cholesterol and the risk of developing dementia. Researchers suggest that cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, could play a role in safeguarding brain health as individuals age, even if their cholesterol levels are already low.
The study, led by neurophysiologist Minwoo Lee from Hallym University College of Medicine, analyzed health data from over half a million individuals across 11 university hospitals in Korea. The research found that individuals with low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) below 70 mg/dL exhibited a 26 percent decreased risk of all-cause dementia and a 28 percent decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those with LDL-C levels above 130 mg/dL.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that the use of statins was associated with a 13 percent reduction in the risk of all-cause dementia and a 12 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These results were consistent regardless of whether participants had high or low LDL-C levels, suggesting a complex relationship between lipid levels and cognitive health.
While the findings from the study align with some previous analyses, they also challenge the results of other observational studies. For instance, earlier research claimed that both low and high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were linked to heightened dementia risk. In some cases, cholesterol-lowering statins were even believed to increase the risk of dementia in individuals already experiencing cognitive decline.
Neurophysiologist Francesco Tamagnini, who is not affiliated with the study, proposes that damage to the blood-brain barrier could lead to an accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the brain, potentially contributing to the formation of amyloid beta proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The new findings prompt researchers to consider LDL cholesterol as a crucial factor alongside conventional approaches in studying dementia risk.
Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasizes the complexity of dementia risk, cautioning that a comprehensive understanding of the brain’s inner workings is necessary to establish a direct link between lower cholesterol levels and reduced dementia risk. To promote brain health, Dudley encourages individuals to prioritize heart health and consult with healthcare providers if concerned about their cholesterol levels.
The research study, shedding light on the role of cholesterol in brain health and dementia prevention, was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. With ongoing debate and further research needed to unravel the intricacies of cholesterol’s impact on cognitive well-being, scientists are urged to explore the potential implications of LDL cholesterol at a molecular level to advance understanding of dementia risk factors.