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A new study suggests that maintaining low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, could significantly reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, the research found that keeping LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL was associated with a 26% lower risk of all-cause dementia and a 28% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (ADRD).
Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, the study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients in South Korea. Researchers compared patients with LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL to those with levels above 130 mg/dL.
“These findings emphasize the importance of targeted LDL-C management as part of dementia prevention strategies, with potential integration into clinical guidelines,” said lead investigator Dr. Minwoo Lee from Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital.
The study also found that statin use, a common cholesterol-lowering medication, further reduced the risk of dementia in individuals with LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL. However, there was no significant reduction in dementia risk for those who achieved LDL-C levels below 30 mg/dL, suggesting that there might be a point of diminishing returns.
While previous research hinted at a connection between LDL-C and dementia risk, this study provides a specific target number for clinical practice. “It gives us a concrete, evidence-based benchmark we can share with patients — especially those at high vascular and cognitive risk,” said Dr. Shaheen Lakhan, a neurologist not involved in the study.
Experts emphasize that these findings highlight the potential importance of managing cholesterol levels for brain health, in addition to cardiovascular health. However, they also caution that more research, particularly clinical trials, is needed to establish a direct causal link between LDL-C levels and dementia risk.
“Clinical trials will be key to understand what effects statins might be having on disease processes in the brain,” said Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The researchers also noted that further studies are needed to fully understand the intricate relationship between LDL-C levels, statin usage, and the development of dementia.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided study and expert opinions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. The information presented here should not be interpreted as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medical course of action. Individual results may vary. This study indicates correlation, not causation. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between LDL-C levels and dementia risk.
