High levels of HDL cholesterol, also known as “good cholesterol,” are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women. Recent studies explain this strange causal relationship.
The quality of good cholesterol declines over time
During menopause, it is not the quantity of total cholesterol circulating in the blood that matters, but rather its quality, which is transported by HDL cholesterol particles (high-density lipoproteins). And it is worth noting that the quality of HDL cholesterol declines over time, according to a study conducted by epidemiologists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. High-density lipoproteins collect excess “bad cholesterol” in the blood and transport it to the liver, where it is excreted. Therefore, we speak of “good cholesterol” because it has a protective effect on the body.
As part of the study, several parameters such as size, composition and function of HDL cholesterol particles were measured in the blood of 503 women. Researchers found that the number of large HDL cholesterol particles tends to increase from year to year. Unfortunately, these large HDL cholesterol particles do not function as well as smaller particles.
Throughout the study, participants were asked to perform exercises to assess their cognitive function. The results of these tests were compared with the changes observed in HDL cholesterol particles (composition and function).
“Our study suggests that women over 40 years old who have high concentrations of small HDL particles, and those whose phospholipid concentrations increase during menopause, are more likely to have good episodic memory as they age,” explains Professor Samar R. El Khoudary, lead author of the study. The researchers added that loss of working memory (a type of short-term memory) is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
How can we preserve our brains as we age?
Age affects the quality of HDL cholesterol, but there are ways to improve the quality of HDL particles through hygiene and nutritional measures:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Be physically active regularly.
Don’t smoke.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
“The picture is not all black,” says Professor El Khoudary. “As we age, high HDL cholesterol levels no longer have a protective effect, but it is possible to improve the composition, size and function of HDL particles through simple hygiene and nutritional measures, even if we start after the age of 40,” concludes the epidemiologist.