lowering Cholesterol May reduce Dementia Risk, Large Study Suggests
A major international study, led by researchers at the University of Bristol, indicates a potential link between lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of dementia. Analyzing data from over one million participants,the research found individuals with genetic traits that naturally lower cholesterol were less likely to develop the condition.
The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, was spearheaded by Dr. Liv Tybjærg Nordestgaard during her time at the University of Bristol and Copenhagen university Hospital. Researchers utilized a technique called Mendelian Randomization, which leverages genetic variations to mimic the effects of cholesterol-lowering treatments like statins and ezetimibe, minimizing the impact of lifestyle factors.
The findings revealed that even a small decrease in cholesterol – approximately one millimole per liter – correlated with up to an 80% reduction in dementia risk for specific genetic targets related to thes drugs. “What our study indicates is that if you have these variants that lower your cholesterol, it looks like you have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia,” explained Dr. Nordestgaard, now at Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg hospital.
While the results suggest a protective affect of low cholesterol, whether achieved through genetics or medication, the study doesn’t definitively prove that cholesterol-lowering drugs prevent dementia. Researchers believe high cholesterol may contribute to atherosclerosis – the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels – potentially leading to small blood clots, a known cause of dementia.
Dr. Nordestgaard emphasizes the need for long-term randomized clinical trials, potentially spanning 10-30 years, to directly assess the impact of cholesterol-lowering medication on dementia risk.
The study drew upon data from several large-scale datasets including the UK Biobank, the Copenhagen General Population Study, the Copenhagen City Heart study, the FinnGen study, and the global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Funding was provided by the Medical Research Council, Independent Research Fund Denmark, and Research Council at the Capital Region of Denmark.
