Alzheimer's Society Comment On The Link Between High Density Lipoprotein And Dementia

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Cholesterol
Article Date: 01 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

One of the functions of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is to transport cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver to be degraded.

It is clearly important to have enough of this transporter available. This study shows that if there is not enough High Density Lipoprotein to transport cholesterol and other lipids around the body, it can not only increase your risk of heart disease but also affect your memory and may increase your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.

We know that controlling cholesterol in midlife is important if you are to reduce your risk of developing vascular dementia later and this may also be important for the development of Alzheimer's disease. People should eat a healthy diet, low in salt and saturated fat and take regular exercise.

If you have high cholesterol you should also actively seek treatment from your GP to ensure you are doing everything possible to reduce your risk of dementia in later life.

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference

Comment on "Low HDL Cholesterol Is a Risk Factor for Deficit and Decline in Memory in Midlife" The Whitehall II Study. Authors Archana Singh-Manoux, David Gimeno, Mika Kivimaki, Eric Brunner, Michael G. Marmot. The link between high density lipoprotein (HDL) - or "good" cholesterol - and dementia emerged from a study of 3,673 civil servants. Scientists found that participants with low levels of HDL were more likely to suffer memory decline by the age of 60.

Notes

- 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia

- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.

- The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

- As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

- The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society