A recent study published on January 29, 2025, in Neurology® found that significant fluctuations in cholesterol levels over time increase the risk of dementia in older adults, regardless of their absolute cholesterol levels.
The study followed 9,846 individuals with an average age of 74 years who had no diagnosed dementia at the start. Over 5.5 years, researchers tracked cholesterol changes and divided participants into groups based on variation levels. In the group with the greatest fluctuations (91 mg/dL average change), the risk of developing dementia was 60% higher than in those with minimal changes (22 mg/dL average change). A total of 509 participants developed dementia during the study period.
Further analysis revealed that fluctuations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad” cholesterol) were significantly associated with dementia risk, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL, “good” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels showed no such correlation. Dr. Zhenya Zhou of Monash University emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “Cholesterol fluctuations may be a new biomarker to identify individuals at risk of dementia.”
These results highlight the need for regular cholesterol monitoring in older adults to aid in the early detection of cognitive decline. Early interventions, including lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, may help reduce dementia risk in individuals with significant cholesterol variability.
Disclaimer: Medical research data reflects general trends and may not apply to every individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on cholesterol management and dementia prevention.
