For years, high levels of “good” cholesterol have been touted as heart-healthy and linked to lower disease risk. But new research suggests that you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to health.
A new study finds that very high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. As counterintuitive as it may seem, older people with the highest amounts of this type of cholesterol were significantly more likely to develop dementia than those with more moderate levels.
Why We Need Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance essential for maintaining cellular health, producing hormones, and metabolizing vitamin D to boost immunity. Although we consume cholesterol through our diet, our bodies produce most of what we need. Specifically, the liver and intestines create about 80 percent of the cholesterol required for proper bodily function.Cholesterol comes in two main forms: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol that can lead to a dangerous buildup in arteries; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered “good” cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body. HDL may help reduce heart disease risk.
Very High ‘Good’ Cholesterol Linked to 42 Percent Dementia Risk
New research published in The Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific analyzed data from 18,668 people over 65 who initially participated in the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial.The results linked very high HDL cholesterol levels to a 42 percent increased dementia risk in adults over 75. The optimal level for this age group is 60–80 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The study also found participants with HDL levels above 80 mg/dL had a 27 percent higher dementia risk overall. But it’s important to note that HDL levels this high are generally due to genetic reasons and not a worry for most people.
“While we know HDL cholesterol is important for cardiovascular health, this study suggests that we need further research to understand the role of very high HDL cholesterol in the context of brain health,” Monira Hussain, first author and Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine senior research fellow, said in a press statement.
There is ongoing work to understand the connections between cholesterol levels and dementia, Heather M. Snyder, the Alzheimer’s Association vice president of medical and scientific relations, told The Epoch Times.
More Evidence Linking High HDL to Dementia
Research published in October 2023 in Neurology further indicates that balancing HDL cholesterol levels is critical for health. The study tracked over 184,000 California residents aged 55 and older using health surveys from 2002 to 2007, then followed up on them for an average of nine more years via medical records.During that period, around 25,000 participants were diagnosed with dementia. Surprisingly, those with the highest HDL levels—at least 65 mg/dL—showed a 15 percent higher dementia rate compared to those in the group with an average HDL level of 53.7 mg/dL. Those with the lowest levels saw just a 7 percent increase versus the middle group.
What Is Vital for Preserving Brain Function?
Scientific evidence continues to show vascular factors, including strokes, contribute to cognitive impairment. Inadequate blood flow due to cardiovascular problems can significantly impact the brain and body.Though the diseases causing dementia are complex and interrelated, research increasingly highlights the importance of vascular health for maintaining cognitive health into old age, according to Ms. Snyder.
- Be more active: Engage in regular exercise that raises your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body, such as walking, dancing, or gardening. Look for ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine.
- Don’t smoke: If you smoke, quit to lower your risk of cognitive decline to levels of those who have never smoked. “It’s never too late to stop,” Ms. Snyder said.
- Control your blood pressure: Control high blood pressure through medications, diet, and exercise. If you have hypertension, work with your health care provider to help lower it.
- Manage diabetes: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or controlled by eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and taking medication, if necessary.
- Eat healthily: Eat a balanced diet rich in produce, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats to help reduce cognitive decline risk. Focus on whole or less-processed foods lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar.
- Stay at a healthy weight: Aim for a healthy weight by exercising and eating right. Discuss your optimal weight range with your doctor.
