Can Change In Cholesterol Levels Affect Brain Ageing? Study Says Yes (Image Credits: iStock)
A new study suggests that seniors with cholesterol levels that fluctuate significantly from year to year could be at a higher risk of developing dementia. The research, published on January 29 in the journal Neurology, found that people with the most variable cholesterol levels had a 60 per cent increased risk of dementia compared to those with stable cholesterol. They were also 23 per cent more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early sign of brain ageing that can progress to dementia.
Cholesterol as a New Dementia Risk Indicator
Dr Zhen Zhou, a research fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, explained that cholesterol variability could serve as a biomarker to help identify those at risk of dementia. "Fluctuating cholesterol, measured annually, may provide more information than a single cholesterol reading in determining dementia risk," he said in a news release.
While high cholesterol in middle age has long been associated with cognitive decline, its role in brain health during old age has been unclear. Some studies have suggested that low cholesterol might actually increase dementia risk, while others found no link at all.
How the Study Was Conducted
To explore this further, researchers tracked more than 9,800 seniors aged 65 and older who had no prior history of dementia or memory problems. Their cholesterol levels were measured at the start of the study and three annual follow-up visits. The participants also underwent memory and cognitive tests each year.
After the third visit, researchers continued to monitor the participants for over five years. During this period, 509 individuals developed dementia.
Among those with the greatest cholesterol fluctuations, 147 out of 2,408 participants developed dementia—a rate of 11.3 per 1,000 person-years. In contrast, those with the most stable cholesterol levels saw only 98 out of 2,437 develop dementia, with a lower rate of 7.1 per 1,000 person-years.
The Role of ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol
Researchers found that the increased risk was specifically linked to fluctuations in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. However, they did not find any significant association between dementia risk and changes in HDL (good) cholesterol or triglycerides.
Despite these findings, the study did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between cholesterol changes and dementia. Instead, it only highlights a strong association between the two.
Why Cholesterol Fluctuations Might Impact Brain Health
One possible explanation for this link is that unstable cholesterol levels may alter the fatty plaques in arteries, potentially leading to blockages that reduce blood flow to the brain. This could increase the risk of mini-strokes or full-fledged strokes, both of which are known contributors to cognitive decline.
Another theory is that cholesterol fluctuations might be a symptom of underlying chronic diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, which could be the real culprits behind dementia risk.
Monitoring Cholesterol for Better Brain Health
Dr Zhou explains the importance of regular cholesterol monitoring in older adults. "Older people’s cholesterol should be tracked over time to help identify those at risk of cognitive impairment," he said. He also suggested that lifestyle changes and medications like statins could help maintain stable cholesterol levels and potentially lower the risk of dementia.
While more research is needed to confirm these findings, experts recommend that seniors follow a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage existing health conditions to support both cardiovascular and brain health.
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