Yahoo Lifestyle 'I'm a Cardiologist—This One Surprising Factor Might Increase Your Risk of Dementia'
Unfortunately, dementia has several risk factors: age, genetics, smoking, alcohol use, diabetes and more. Dementia is a scary, heartbreaking condition in which individuals may experience memory loss, confusion and an inability to care for themselves in the same ways. Being aware of risk factors—without letting anxiety about it overtake your life—may be a good idea.
Some of the risk factors may be more surprising than others, and new research reveals one that many didn't expect.
Related: The Surprising Symptom That May Be an Early Sign of Dementia, According to a New Study
The Link Between Heart Health and Dementia
One of the more unexpected risk factors of dementia, according to new research, is cholesterol fluctuations. This is especially the case with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called “bad” form of cholesterol.
“Some recent research has shown a link between fluctuating levels of cholesterol and declining cognitive abilities,” says Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide.
He adds, “This concept is not well understood as prior research has shown that the incidence of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia has been increased in those with high cholesterol levels.”
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According to a recent, preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024, high fluctuations in total cholesterol are associated with a 60% increase in dementia. However, high fluctuations in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or triglycerides weren’t associated with dementia at all.
The relationship between the two cannot be fully explained at this point, according to lead author Dr. Zhen Zhou, Ph.D. However, he guesses it could be because the fluctuations destabilize atherosclerotic plaques, which can obstruct blood flow in the brain and perhaps impact brain function.
Side note: Fluctuating cholesterol levels aren’t a surefire sign that someone has or will have dementia. This symptom can indicate other health conditions, Dr. Serwer says, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory conditions that affect both cholesterol metabolism and brain health.
Related: 'I'm a Neurologist—This Is the Snack I Eat Almost Every Day for Dementia Prevention'
What Can Cause Cholesterol Fluctuations?
Several factors can contribute to these ups and downs, Dr. Serwer says. Monitoring those factors can help you stay ahead of a dementia diagnosis.
The factors he lists include diet, exercise, medications and management of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid abnormalities.
Signs of Cholesterol Fluctuations
You typically won’t be able to tell if your cholesterol levels are fluctuating. Dr. Serwer says signs typically don’t pop up.
However, you may notice symptoms of other conditions that contribute. “If cholesterol fluctuations are from hyperthyroidism or an inflammatory condition, you may have symptoms related to the underlying cause,” he says. “For hypothyroidism, you may experience anxiety, difficulty sleeping, high heart rates, weight loss or irritability.”
Related: ‘I’m a Cardiologist, and This Is What a Typical Day of Heart-Healthy Eating Looks Like for Me’
You probably won’t know if your cholesterol levels are changing, so Dr. Serwer advises that it’s important to pay attention to other bodily changes and symptoms, noting, “If you notice any significant change in your baseline status, it is important to seek attention from your primary care providers.”
And again, he encourages taking steps like eating heart-healthy foods, getting regular exercise and taking any medications as prescribed. Examples of tasty heart-healthy foods include avocados, berries and almonds, just to name a few.
These steps aren’t cure-alls, to be clear, and having dementia isn’t the patient’s fault. With that said, your mind and body will appreciate these small, daily practices.
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Sources
Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist
"Dementia Risk Factors." Stanford Medicine
"Unexplained changes in cholesterol may help identify older adults at risk for dementia." American Heart Association
