Elevated ‘Good Cholesterol’ Linked to Higher Dementia Risk in Elderly

Research from Monash University suggests that higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL-C) may be linked to an increased risk of dementia in the elderly. The study highlights the need for further investigation in this area to better understand the potential association. Published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, this large-scale study analyzed data from the ASPREE* study, focusing on initially healthy older individuals mostly aged over 70. Over a span of 6.3 years, participants with very high HDL-C levels were found to have a 27 percent higher risk of dementia compared to those with optimal levels. Additionally, individuals aged 75 and older exhibited a 42 percent increased risk. These elevated HDL-C levels, categorized as 80 mg/dL (>2.07 mmol/L) or above, were rare and believed to reflect a metabolic disorder rather than diet-related factors. The study’s findings could help healthcare professionals identify older patients who may be at higher risk of dementia. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and the role of very high HDL cholesterol in brain health. The study suggests that considering very high HDL cholesterol levels in dementia risk prediction algorithms may be beneficial. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the relationship between HDL-C levels and dementia risk, emphasizing the importance of continued investigation into this intriguing area of study. *ASPREE: Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly