2024-01-11 14:13:17
【NewsQuest = Science Reporter Kim Hyeong-geun】 A recent study led by Australia’s Monash University presents a surprising twist to the traditional stereotype regarding so-called “good cholesterol.”
Contrary to the long-standing reputation that “good cholesterol,” known as low-density lipoprotein (HDL), is good for your cardiovascular health, high levels of HDL are now linked to an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
“Bad cholesterol,” as opposed to “good cholesterol” HDL, refers to low density lipoprotein (LDL).
Recent research suggests that “good cholesterol,” known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is good for cardiovascular health, but high levels of HDL are associated with an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. [사진=어스닷컴]
High HDL levels increase the risk of dementia… It is worse in elderly people
Traditionally, HDL has been known for its role in cardiovascular health. It has been considered “good” because it absorbs cholesterol from the blood and then transports it to the liver for elimination.
However, LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, has been known to carry cholesterol particles throughout the body and contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, a major cause of heart disease and stroke.
However, this study published in the latest issue of the renowned academic journal ‘Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific’ suggests a new relationship between HDL and brain health. In other words, there is a strong relationship between high HDL levels and increased risk of dementia.
A Monash University research team came to this conclusion following tracking more than 18,600 people aged 65 or older for six years. During this period, 4.6% of participants were found to have dementia.
The surprising finding in this study was that people with very high levels of HDL, the “good cholesterol,” had a 27% increased risk of developing dementia. Moreover, in elderly people over 75 years of age with high HDL levels, the risk of dementia was found to soar to 42%.
The Australian research team also provided evidence that this increased dementia risk associated with high HDL levels was independent of other traditional dementia risk factors such as physical activity, education, diabetes, smoking or alcohol consumption. .
The researchers defined a “very high” level of HDL as 80 mg/dL or higher. This observation is rare in research and may not be related to general dietary factors, but might potentially indicate an underlying metabolic disorder.
27% higher risk of developing dementia… Up to 452% for those aged 75 or older
However, lead author Dr Monira Hussain, a senior researcher at Monash University’s School of Public Health, emphasized that further research was needed to better understand this phenomenon.
Dr. Hussein added, “We know that HDL cholesterol is important for cardiovascular health. This study suggests that further research is needed to understand the role of very high HDL cholesterol in the context of brain health.”
Recently, the number of dementia patients is increasing rapidly due to the extension of life expectancy. In the United States, the number of dementia patients is 5.8 million, and it is expected to more than double by 2050.[Photo=HarvardHealth}
The implications of this research extend beyond the scientific community and might potentially impact medical practice. This is because cholesterol levels are easy to measure and you can influence your cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes. Cholesterol has been established as a potential biomarker for dementia risk.
Approximately 5.8 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, mainly affecting those aged 65 and older. This number is expected to nearly double by 2050.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still a matter of debate, but the production and accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain is thought to play an important role.
“Good cholesterol” HDL: Known as healthy cholesterol, this protein plays a role in sending excess cholesterol present in arteries or cells to the liver, ultimately removing cholesterol from the body.
Cholesterol delivered to the liver is converted into bile acid and secreted into bile. Delivery of HDL cholesterol to the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes is critical for steroid hormone synthesis. Increasing HDL levels is closely related to lowering the likelihood of atherosclerosis in the arteries.
“Bad Cholesterol (LDL): Commonly recognized as bad or unhealthy cholesterol. When LDL accumulates in the arteries, it forms fatty, wax-like plaque, which can cause heart attacks or strokes.
There are reports that stress leads to an increase in LDL. To prevent the increase of LDL in the body, it is recommended to reduce the intake of processed vegetable oils such as canola oil, potato chips, confectionery, refined grains, and chocolate.
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