Study Suggests Cholesterol-Dementia Link. Should You Worry?

As we age, concerns about our cognitive health – the ability to think, learn and remember clearly – naturally rise. A common fear for many is dementia, which affects millions of older adults. Dementia is a general term for conditions such as loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with one’s daily life.

According to experts at Baptist Health, recent research has brought new attention to a potential link between cholesterol and dementia, specifically focusing on the role of fluctuating cholesterol levels. But what does this mean for you, and should you be worried?

A link between fluctuating cholesterol levels and dementia?

In a recent study from the American Heart Association, researchers found that older adults with fluctuating cholesterol levels may be at a higher risk for developing dementia. Though the exact cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear, the study has sparked new discussions among both cardiologists and neurologists about the broader implications for brain health.

What are fluctuating cholesterol levels? Cardiologist Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., chief medical executive of Population Health, Value and Primary Care for Baptist Health, deputy director of clinical cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and chief of cardiology services at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital, explains that while most people’s cholesterol levels remain relatively stable over time, some individuals experience significant changes within a short period, such as a year.

Cardiologist Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., chief medical executive of Population Health, Value and Primary Care for Baptist Health, deputy director of clinical cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and chief of cardiology services at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital

“Most people have steady cholesterol levels with changes over many years,” Dr. Fialkow says. “A few people have been found to have levels that can drastically change over a short period of time, like one year. This is what would be called ‘fluctuating cholesterol levels.’”

How does cholesterol impact cognitive health?

Cholesterol is crucial for overall health, playing a key role in cellular function, hormone production and brain health. However, its role in dementia is complex.

As Dr. Fialkow notes, “There is a clear link between cholesterol (lipids) and dementia. For a common cause of dementia, ‘vascular dementia,’ the risk factors are the same as they are for coronary disease and the interplay between the lipids in our body and inflammation of the blood vessels can cause this. Vascular dementia, for example, results from damage to blood vessels in the brain, often due to conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can cause inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries.”

G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., a neurologist at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Additionally, G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., a neurologist at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, notes that high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – often called “bad cholesterol” – have been linked to dementia risk. However, as he points out, “The direct relationship between cholesterol and dementia is still unclear, though elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are considered a risk factor for dementia.”

More research needed into cholesterol-dementia link

The idea that fluctuating cholesterol levels might increase the risk of dementia is a relatively new concept and both Dr. Fialkow and Dr. Gliebus stress the importance of not jumping to conclusions. Says Dr. Fialkow, “While the study’s findings are compelling, it is still too early to conclude that fluctuating cholesterol directly causes cognitive decline. I don’t think we’re ready for any type of assessment or treatment change.”

A proven causal relationship between fluctuating cholesterol levels and dementia has not been established, adds Dr. Gliebus. “The observed changes may represent just one aspect of the metabolic changes occurring in the body, which could predispose individuals to developing dementia.”

Healthy lifestyle key to reducing dementia risk

As the research into the link between cholesterol and dementia continues, one thing remains clear: maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential.

“Keeping a healthy diet of mostly natural, unprocessed foods, regular exercise, good night’s sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol remain the pillars of decreasing your risk of both heart disease and dementia,” says Dr. Fialkow.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, combined with regular exercise and adequate sleep, can help keep both your heart and brain in top shape. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help identify any potential issues with cholesterol or other metabolic factors before they become more serious problems.

Dr. Fialkow recommends focusing on a “healthy metabolism” as the key to preventing chronic diseases. “A healthy lifestyle leading to a healthy metabolism is the key to decreasing the risk of developing chronic diseases and the consequences of these such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, dementia, kidney failure and more,” he says. “Prioritizing a heart-healthy, brain-healthy lifestyle remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of dementia as we age.”