Higher Cholesterol Levels Tied to Reduced Risk of Dementia in Older Adults, Finds Study

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association notes elevated blood cholesterol levels can lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in people older than 85, reports News-Medical . The researchers studied the association of cholesterol levels and cognitive functions at different age groups, analyzing data from the Framingham Heart Study. They checked the total cholesterol values during the middle years and late years of study participants, as well as the cognitive tests performed at different ages. Outcomes showed higher cholesterol levels since the forties led to a greater cognitive decline as the participant got older, but with age this positive correlation was halted and ultimately reversed. In individuals between 95 and 94 years old for example, having higher cholesterol in their middle years led to a reduced risk of cognitive decline. The team cautions that the study does not recommend heightening one's cholesterol during their forties to lower the risk of cognitive decline, as a positive risk of developing dementia exists among seniors if they have high cholesterol levels during those years. Further high cholesterol levels also lead to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Mount Sinai Professor Jeremy Silverman believes this study is valuable "for researching genetic and other factors associated with successful cognitive aging."