1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Longevity

Lower Cholesterol Could Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Mid-Life Cholesterol Linked to Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: October 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

High cholesterol in your 40s may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in your 80s. This is fantastic news because it means you can take measures to reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

High Cholesterol and Alzheimer's Disease Linked

A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in April 2008 of almost 10,000 people found that people with high cholesterol when they were between ages 40 and 45 were about 50% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to people with low cholesterol levels. This study began in 1964 with detailed health examinations when the participants were in their 40s.

Good News

I think this is great news. We know how to control cholesterol through exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables and taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Low cholesterol greatly reduces the risk of heart disease and now we see that it also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This means that you are in control. Make having great cholesterol numbers a goal. Must Read: 3 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol.

Source(s):

Solomon A. American Academy of Neurology Meeting (2008, April 16). High Cholesterol In Your 40s Increases Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease.

Explore Longevity
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Longevity
  4. Brain Aging
  5. Alzheimer's and Dementia Prevention - Lower Your Cholesterol to Prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.