Scientists from Boston University in the US found that high levels of cholesterol, so-called “good” cholesterol, may increase the risk of developing dementia. The mechanisms underlying this process have not yet been investigated. In this respect reports Daily mail.
Cholesterol is an organic fatty substance found in the membranes of all animal and human cells. It provides the synthesis of steroid and sex hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. Cholesterol cannot be transported independently in the bloodstream. This requires lipoproteins (molecules that carry it to tissues and organs).
One type of lipoprotein (HDL) has high density – this is the “good” cholesterol that removes excess fat from the body
It turns out that people with high levels of “good” cholesterol have a higher risk of developing dementia.
185 thousand people participated in the research. The average age of the participants was 70 years. None of the subjects had dementia.
The subjects entered their health data into questionnaires every two years and measured their blood cholesterol levels regularly. Participants were observed for approximately nine years. During this period, 25,214 people developed dementia.
Participants with high levels of HDL cholesterol in their blood (65 milligrams per deciliter), above 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women, were at risk of developing dementia. These subjects were 15% more likely to develop this disease.
Additionally, participants with low HDL levels (11 to 41 mg/dL) were more likely to develop dementia. The risk of contracting the disease was 7% higher.
Scientists cannot yet predict what processes leading to the development of dementia are triggered by excess HDL cholesterol.
Previous scientists was created The world’s first cholesterol-lowering drug.
Source: Gazeta
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