Mid life cholesterol levels not linked to Alzheimer's disease

by Anil Kumar



Contrary to earlier research, a new, long-term study suggests that cholesterol level in mid-life may not be linked to later development of Alzheimer's disease.

The study is published in the November 10, 2010, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

However, the results suggest that large decreases in cholesterol levels in old age could be a better predictor of developing the memory-robbing disease.

"While some studies suggest that cholesterol is a risk factor for dementia, others have not replicated this finding, so the possible association has been under debate," said study author Michelle M. Mielke, PhD, with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

For the study, 1,462 dementia-free Swedish women between the ages of 38 and 60 were followed for 32 years. As part of the study, the women were given a physical exam, heart tests, chest x-rays and blood tests. The group was also surveyed for smoking habits, alcohol and medication use, education and medical history. Throughout the study, body mass index (BMI), a measurement of weight-per-height, and blood pressure were taken. At four points, the women were tested for dementia.

After 32 years, 161 women had developed dementia.

The study found that cholesterol measured in middle or old age showed no link to dementia, which is contrary to some earlier studies. However, the study also found that the women whose cholesterol levels decreased the most from middle to older age were more than twice as likely to develop dementia as those whose cholesterol levels increased or stayed the same. The risk increased from 8.9 percent for those who maintained or had increased cholesterol over the course of the study to 17.5 percent for people with the greatest decline in cholesterol.

Mielke said that decreased cholesterol levels greater than what is expected in old age might be a more accurate indicator of dementia risk then cholesterol levels in middle age. In addition, despite the finding that cholesterol did not influence dementia risk, Mielke recommends that people still follow heart healthy guidelines. "Cholesterol should still be monitored and treated through diet, exercise and medication for cardiovascular and overall health."


(Anil Kumar -- sub-editor compiled and published Mid life cholesterol levels not linked to Alzheimer's disease at HealthNewsTrack on November 12, 2010 sourced from American Academy of Neurology - http://www.aan.com/)

Alzheimer's Disease - recent articles and current news stories:

- Alzheimer's Disease patients may not get benefit from antioxidants
- Reversing Alzheimer's gene blockade can restore memory
- Bexarotene cancer drug may reverse Alzheimer's symptoms
- Brain stimulating habits lowers Alzheimer's disease risk
- People with early Alzheimer's disease may have lower BMI

Most related articles:

- Mid life cholesterol levels not linked to Alzheimer's disease
- Protein regulates enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease - 6.4
- Statins, cholesterol lowering drugs may not prevent Alzheimer's Disease - 6
- Red yeast rice reduce cholesterol in statin intolerant - 5.5
- Coffee may reverse Alzheimer's disease - 5.4

More related articles:

- Mid life, Cholesterol, Alzheimer's disease, Neurology, Dementia
- Statins, cholesterol lowering drugs may not prevent Alzheimer's Disease - 10.2
- Diabetes increases risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease - 9.7
- Alzheimer's disease risk index predicts Alzheimer's in elderly - 9.2
- Alzheimer's Society comment on benefits of weekly curry - 8.2

Alzheimer's Disease related articles:

- Cell phone may boost memory in Alzheimer's disease patients - 4.3
- Alzheimer's Society comment on benefits of weekly curry - 4.2
- Depression may increase Alzheimer's disease risk - 4.1
- Protein regulates enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease - 4.1
- Potential Alzheimer's disease diagnostic test using spinal fluid - 4.1

Alzheimer's Disease article/news source:

Read more health articles from American Academy of Neurology and health articles from USA.

Alzheimer's Disease - search related terms:

Alzheimer's disease, Cholesterol, Dementia, Mid life, Neurology,
Alzheimer's Disease books,

List health news, Health organizations, Health news world, Glossary, Best health articles, Featured     Go to top

The information provided on Health Newstrack is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. We comply with the HONcode principles for trustworthy health information, and Health News Track is hon code accredited, verify here.
About us, Site map Privacy policy, Disclaimer
© 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 HealthNewsTrack.com
2.89