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A recent study from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, reveals that variability in cholesterol levels, particularly total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), may be associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. The research, led by Zhen Zhou, Ph.D., and colleagues, analyzed data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) randomized trial, which examined the effects of aspirin in preventing major health events.
The study followed 9,846 community-dwelling adults over a median period of 5.8 years, with cholesterol levels measured at baseline and during subsequent years. Researchers found that participants with greater variability in their cholesterol levels experienced a heightened risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment. Specifically, those in the highest quartiles of TC and LDL-C variability had hazard ratios of 1.60 and 1.48 for dementia, respectively, and 1.23 and 1.27 for cognitive impairment with no dementia (CIND).
The study also found that higher cholesterol variability was linked to faster declines in cognitive functions such as global cognition, episodic memory, and psychomotor speed. Interestingly, the researchers did not find strong associations between variability in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or triglyceride levels and cognitive decline.
“These results suggest that fluctuating cholesterol levels, measured annually, could serve as a potential biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk of dementia,” said Dr. Zhou in a statement. “This provides more insight than the cholesterol levels measured at a single point in time.”
While the findings are significant, the researchers caution that further studies are needed to confirm the long-term impact of cholesterol variability on cognitive health. Several authors of the study have disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry, highlighting the need for independent replication of these results.
The study was published in the journal Neurology and raises important questions about the role of cholesterol in dementia risk. As the aging population continues to grow, understanding and addressing factors that contribute to cognitive decline will be vital in shaping future preventive strategies.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on a study published in Neurology and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.
