Could High Cholesterol Ward Off Dementia?

High cholesterol is generally considered a risk factor for dementia, although studies examining that connection have yielded conflicting results.

Now a new study in the May 24 issue of the journal Neurology suggests that high cholesterol levels in old age may reduce dementia risk.

One possible explanation is that high cholesterol plays a protective role against dementia in the elderly, the study’s U.S. and Swedish authors speculate. Alternatively, high levels of this waxy substance in the body could be a marker for older people who are more robust and somehow less vulnerable to cholesterol’s adverse effects, they say.

“These findings raise more questions than they give answers,” conceded Michelle M. Mielke, a researcher with the Center on Aging and Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and one of the study authors. “Therefore,” she said, “we strongly urge that consumers not make changes in their diet or medication without consulting with their doctors first.”

Hey, yet another good reason to watch your diet!

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 24 May 2005
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