Cholesterol treatment protects the brain from serious diseases

A South Korean study has shown exciting results regarding the role of lowering high cholesterol in preventing dementia and Alzheimer's.

The study found that those with low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with both brain conditions.

Preventing Alzheimer's

According to HealthDay, the research team from Hallym University, Hanyang University, and Anjou University analyzed data on 570,000 adults in good neurological health who were followed for at least 180 days after their cholesterol screening.

About a third of the participants had low levels of bad cholesterol in their blood—less than 70 mg/dL—while the remainder had high levels—over 130 mg/dL.

Cholesterol-Lowering Results

After treatment with cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, those with lower cholesterol levels saw a 26% reduction in the risk of developing dementia, and those using statins saw a 28% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

People with lower cholesterol who used statins saw the greatest benefit.

These findings confirm the critical role of LDL cholesterol management in reducing the risk of dementia, the researchers said.

The Role of Statins

According to Medical News Today, statins may enhance the benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol.

The researchers noted that for those with LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL, statins were associated with an additional 13% reduction in the risk of dementia and an additional 12% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, compared to those who did not use the drugs.

Researchers found that statins slightly reduced the risk of stroke in people with higher LDL cholesterol levels, but had no effect in people with LDL cholesterol levels below 55 mg/dL.

Previous studies have shown that lower LDL cholesterol also protects against heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.