Keeping cholesterol levels in check is important to lower the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. However, low cholesterol levels protect against other diseases as well. Keeping cholesterol levels under control may also play a role in lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A physician or registered dietitian can help you formulate a plan that is safe and effective based on overall health.
Identification
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the body and found in foods. Since cholesterol can not be absorbed in the blood stream, special carriers must help it travel through the body. The two types of carriers are low density lipoproteins or LDLs and high density lipoproteins or HDLs. LDLs are considered the bad kind because they take cholesterol to the cells to be stored in the body. HDLs are considered the good kind because they take it to be excreted.
The American Heart Association suggests keeping total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dL, LDL levels 100 mg/dL or lower and HDL levels at 60 mg/dL or higher.
Considerations
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that causes loss of memory and cognitive abilities. It is not a normal part of aging, according to the Alzheimer's Association. While the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not clearly understood, patients tend to have certain changes in the brain. This includes the development of plaques or clumps of protein, loss of communication between brain cells and inflammation within the brain. All of these cause the brain to actually shrink and lose the ability to carry out necessary functions. As of 2010, there is no cure for this condition. Treatment, which is aimed at slowing the progression of the disease, may include lowering cholesterol.
Warnings
High cholesterol in the middle stages of life appears to raise the risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life, even if cholesterol levels are only borderline, warns a study in the Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Journal in August of 2009. While the role of genetic factors needs to be studied further, it may be that the high-cholesterol-related damage to the blood vessels in the brain contributes to the decline in mental function.
When LDL cholesterol levels are too high, plaque can build up along the blood vessel walls anywhere in the body, including the brain. As plaque builds, the blood vessels narrow and become less flexible, which restricts blood flow. Reduced blood flow in the brain can contribute to damage to the cells.
Prevention
Since cardiovascular disease may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's, taking steps to keep the heart healthy can lower the risk, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The goal is to maintain good blood flow to the brain to keep the cells healthy and functioning properly. Keeping active plays a large role, as exercise may help to improve blood flow to the brain and can improve communication between the cells. In addition, eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of plaque buildup. Many risk factors for Alzheimer's cannot be controlled, but high cholesterol levels and heart disease are modifiable risk factors.
Treatment
Along with healthy lifestyle changes, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation recommends speaking with a physician about medications to treat cholesterol and high blood pressure. These drugs may help to prevent blood vessel damage in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer's. It is also important to remember that high cholesterol and blood pressure can exist without ever causing any symptoms. This means that part of the prevention plan should be testing both on a regular basis so high levels can be diagnosed and treated early.
References
- American Heart Association: What Do My Cholesterol Levels Mean
- Alzheimer's Association: What is Alzheimer's
- Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders: Midlife Serum Cholesterol and Increased Risk of Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia Three Decades Later
- Alzheimer's Association: Prevention
- The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation: Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Protect Against Alzheimer's
