Cholesterol Shifts May Indicate Cognitive Decline or Dementia

According to preliminary data to be presented at an American Heart Association meeting in late November, significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without changes in medication may indicate that older adults have a higher risk of cognitive decline or dementia. This could be crucial to diagnosing cognitive decline and dementia early.

“Older people with fluctuating cholesterol levels unrelated to whether they were taking lipid-lowering medications — particularly those experiencing big year-to-year variation — may warrant closer monitoring and proactive preventative interventions,” said Zhen Zhou, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants to the study did not have dementia at the start of the study and had their cholesterol checked annually. One-third of the participants were taking cholesterol-lowering medications. None of the almost 10,000 participants started, stopped, or changed lipid-lowering medications during the follow-up period of nearly six years. During that period, 509 of the participants developed dementia, and 1,760 showed signs of cognitive decline without dementia. Compared to those with stable levels of cholesterol, high fluctuations (in the top 25%) in total cholesterol were linked to a 60% increase in dementia and a 23% increase in cognitive decline.

According to the study, changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol or “bad cholesterol”) and total cholesterol were tied to faster declines in overall cognitive health test scores and tests on memory and reaction speed. High shifts in high-density lipoproteins (HDL or “good cholesterol”) or triglycerides were not associated with either dementia or cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s disease comes in four stages

 According to Johns Hopkins, Alzheimer’s disease comes in three stages. Those are: (1) Preclinical, (2) mild, early stage, (3) moderate, middle stage, (4) severe, late stage. During the preclinical stage, the damage is done to the brain without much effect on the individual sufferer. In other words, an individual developing Alzheimer’s may show no signs of the illness or very mild forgetfulness. During the preclinical stage, changes in the brain begin years before a person shows any sign of the disease. This stage can last for years.

However, we also know that early treatment can help delay the onset of the disease. So, coming up with new methods to diagnose Alzheimer’s in the preclinical stage can help doctors recommend treatment earlier and produce better results.

Talk to an Alzheimer’s Estate Planning Attorney Today 

The Virginia Beach estate planning attorneys at the Law Office of Angela N. Manz represent the interests of those who have cognitive decline or dementia. We can help you prepare for your long-term care needs by sheltering your assets with irrevocable living trusts. Our attorneys specialize in helping those with long-term care needs prepare their estates. Call our office today to learn more.