Daijiworld Media Network - Seoul

Seoul, Apr 2: Keeping cholesterol levels in check could significantly reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Researchers from South Korea found that individuals with lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as bad cholesterol, were at a 26% lower risk of dementia and a 28% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those with higher LDL-C levels.

The study analyzed health records of 5.71 lac individuals who had not been diagnosed with dementia. Among them, 1.92 lac had LDL-C levels below 1.8 mmol/L, while 3.79 lac had levels above 3.4 mmol/L. The findings suggest that maintaining low LDL-C levels could play a protective role in cognitive health.

Moreover, the study highlighted the added benefits of statins, widely used cholesterol-lowering medications. Among participants with lower LDL-C, those who took statins had an additional 13% lower risk of dementia and 12% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to non-users.

Dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory and reasoning, is a growing public health concern globally. The Lancet previously reported that 7% of dementia cases were linked to high cholesterol levels in midlife. With dementia cases projected to triple by 2050, early intervention through cholesterol management could be crucial.

While the study was observational and does not confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers stress the importance of lipid management as a preventive strategy against dementia.

Experts recommend regular cholesterol monitoring, adopting a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, and consulting doctors for personalized treatment plans to safeguard brain health in the long run.