Researchers from Monash University have observed that higher triglyceride levels, a common type of blood fat, may accompany a lower risk of developing dementia. The findings appeared in a neurology journal, offering a fresh look at how lipid profiles relate to cognitive aging.
Triglycerides are the primary fats circulating in the bloodstream. They account for a large share of dietary fat intake and serve as a key energy source for the brain. In this study, scientists analyzed data from more than 18,000 individuals with an average age near 75 who did not have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia at the outset. Participants were followed for about six years, during which 823 individuals developed dementia.
Normal triglyceride levels for adults are typically under 150 mg/dL. Within the study group, those with the lowest triglyceride readings, often under 62 mg/dL, faced a higher risk of dementia, with about 6 percent diagnosed over the follow-up period. In contrast, the subgroup with higher triglyceride levels, ranging from roughly 107 to 186 mg/dL, showed a dementia rate around 3 percent.
Overall, the data indicated that each doubling of triglyceride levels was associated with an approximately 18 percent reduction in dementia risk. The researchers also noted that higher triglyceride levels correlated with a slower decline in cognitive abilities as people aged.
It is important to emphasize that this study shows an association rather than a proven cause. More research is needed to determine whether adjusting triglyceride levels could influence dementia risk or be incorporated into prevention strategies.
One interpretation is that higher triglyceride readings might reflect better overall health and lifestyle choices that support brain health. Yet there is a caveat: triglyceride levels could also signal a greater risk for cognitive decline in older adults if other health factors are not managed properly. The scientists caution against drawing final conclusions until further studies replicate and extend these findings.
The past body of work has offered mixed signals about lipid levels and brain health, and these results contribute to a broader discussion about how metabolic health relates to aging and cognition. The researchers plan to pursue additional analyses to understand the potential mechanisms at play and to explore whether certain subgroups may experience different effects as they age.
Ultimately, experts urge caution in interpreting these results and underscore the need for comprehensive preventive strategies that address a range of cardiovascular and metabolic factors along with cognitive health. In the meantime, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine medical care remains the best-supported approach for overall brain health, even as scientists continue to investigate the links between triglycerides and dementia risk. At present, these findings add a nuanced layer to the ongoing conversation about how fats in the bloodstream relate to aging and memory in older adults. Attribution: Monash University researchers in a neurology-focused study.