Cholesterol is linked to memory loss in two ways. Some people experience mild cognitive impairment due to high cholesterol, reports MayoClinic.com, while others have memory loss as a side effect of the statin drugs available to lower cholesterol. Either way, if you are experiencing memory loss, you'll need to visit your health care provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Identification
Cholesterol is necessary in the human digestion. The liver actually manufactures enough cholesterol -- about 1,000 mg per day, according to Kidshealth.org -- to help the body metabolize fats and Vitamin D and build cell walls. Many of us add cholesterol to our diets, and that can cause it to find its way into essential blood flow organs, including the brain. Fortunately high cholesterol can be treated with diet and exercise. Statin drugs are sometimes prescribed if diet and exercise don't lower the cholesterol, although they come with their own side effects -- including memory loss.
Considerations
If memory loss is becoming a problem, it's important to have it checked out by a physician. He will help you determine the extent of the memory loss and available treatments, including treating high cholesterol. Mild cognitive impairment, a disorder in which memory is compromised due changes in the brain, lists high cholesterol as a risk factor. High cholesterol may not be the only problem though, as memory loss can also be triggered by diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, depression and lack of physical and mental stimulation.
Features
Minor memory loss can be a normal part of aging as you struggle to remember a name or forget where you've put your keys. But anything more serious than that should be evaluated by a health care provider. Mild to moderate memory loss is characterized by often forgetting appointments, feeling overwhelmed when making decisions, not being able to follow a conversation, feeling lost in previously familiar surroundings and showing poor judgment. Your memory loss will be pronounced enough that your family and friends may notice it. If your memory loss is caused or exacerbated by high cholesterol, that will be diagnosed by a blood test, since high cholesterol has no specific symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
Keep your mind and body active to fight off memory loss. Additionally, lower the amount of cholesterol you consume each day by limiting animal products and lose weight if you are overweight. Practice crossword puzzles and play memory games on the computer to keep your mind sharp, but don't be afraid to write things down to help you remember them, too.
Warning
Some statin drugs, including atorvastatin calcium and simvastatin, list memory loss and reduced cognitive function as a side effect, according to Drugs.com, although the documented incidence is low. There are other cholesterol-reducing drugs that don't have that side effect, so your doctor may switch you to one of those. Don't stop taking your cholesterol medication without the advice of a health care provider.
