Fluctuations in cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of dementia

Although the study finds a link between these phenomena, it does not prove that fluctuations in these biomarkers directly cause neurodegeneration. The scientific paper was published in the journal Neurology.

Experts examined data from more than 11,500 patients over the age of 60 who had not previously been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. They assessed participants' total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels at least three times. The researchers then divided the subjects into groups based on how much the measurements fluctuated.

The patients were followed for an average of 13 years. During that time, 2,473 people developed Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.

As a result, it was found that participants in the group with the largest fluctuations in cholesterol had a 19% higher risk of developing neurodegeneration than those whose levels of this biomarker remained stable. As for triglycerides, the likelihood of dementia onset increased for the first group by 23%. No association was observed between fluctuations in HDL and LDL and senile dementia.

"Screenings for cholesterol and triglyceride levels are routinely performed as part of standard medical care," said study author Suzette J. Belinski. - Fluctuations in these results over time could potentially help us identify who is at greater risk of developing dementia, understand the mechanisms of dementia development, and ultimately determine how equalizing these fluctuations could play a role in reducing the likelihood of dementia."