A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 indicates that significant fluctuations in cholesterol levels among older adults may signal a heightened risk of dementia or cognitive decline.

The research specifically found that variability in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, rather than fluctuations in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglycerides, is linked to cognitive health.

This study utilized data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, which previously determined that low-dose aspirin does not effectively prevent heart disease in older adults.

The ASPREE trial involved nearly 10,000 healthy older adults without dementia, who were monitored annually for changes in cholesterol levels.

Participants in the study averaged 74 years old, and about 32% were on cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, with no changes made to their medication during the study period.

However, the study has limitations, including a lack of diversity, as 96% of the participants were white, and the observational nature of the research prevents establishing a causal relationship.

Despite these limitations, the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of managing cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medications for overall brain health.

Professor Fernando Testai from the University of Illinois noted that this study enhances the understanding of how cholesterol variability affects cognitive health and stressed the need for effective lifestyle strategies to manage lipid levels.

The findings from this study will be discussed further at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago from November 16-18, 2024.

Currently, in the U.S., approximately 25.5% of adults have high LDL cholesterol levels, putting millions at risk for both heart disease and cognitive decline due to inadequate cholesterol management.

Future research is essential to clarify the role of cholesterol variability as a potential risk factor or biomarker for dementia.