HDL helps remove cholesterol from a person's arteries, but very high levels alter HDL's structure and action, which “may negatively impact health” in a variety of ways, the researchers say. is writing.
They followed 18,668 study participants over six years, all of whom were over the age of 65 and in good physical and cognitive health at the start of the study. at that time, dementia 850 participants (4.6%) were diagnosed.
People with very high HDL levels were more likely to develop dementia than those with more optimal HDL levels. For example, the oldest participants (75 years and older) with high HDL levels were 42% more likely to develop dementia than those with normal HDL levels, and overall, those with high HDL levels were less likely to develop dementia. increased risk by 27%.
For adults, HDL level is 40 mg/dL or higher For men, 50 mg/dL or higher is considered a healthy level, and for women, 50 mg/dL or higher is considered a healthy level. In this study, very high levels of HDL were considered 80 mg/dL or higher.
The researchers found that the increased risk of dementia due to high HDL levels appears to be independent not only of genetic influences but also of traditional dementia risk factors such as physical activity level, alcohol intake, education, diabetes, and smoking. ” he wrote.
The researchers suggested that the reasons for the association between high HDL levels and dementia risk are “uncertain” and that further research is needed to explain the association.
This article is part of the Post's “Big Number” series, which briefly examines the statistical aspects of health issues. Additional information and related research is available via hyperlinks.
