Your cholesterol now can ‘increase your Alzheimer’s risk in 10 years’ – the signs you need to know
THE level of cholesterol in your body now could increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's in ten years time.
A new study found higher amounts of low-density lipoprotein in mid-life are associated with the disease.
The largest study to date, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), found the strongest evidence so far on the relationship between blood cholesterol and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It looked at more than 1.8 million adults in the UK over 40 who had a blood cholesterol measurement between 1992 and 2009, with a follow-up period up to 23 years or until dementia diagnosis.
In the 953,635 people in the study who had an LDL cholesterol recording, 2.3 per cent (21,602) went on to be diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Hannah Churchill, Research Communications Manager at Alzheimer’s Society said: “We know that looking after your cardiovascular health is an important way to reduce your risk of developing dementia, as well as many other health conditions.
"However, the role that cholesterol plays in increasing your likelihood of developing dementia is less well understood.
"This large and robust study, funded by Alzheimer’s Society adds weight to the evidence there is the connection between high levels of particular types of cholesterol and the risk of developing dementia.
"It’s particularly pertinent given the scale of the study and the fact it analysed data across a considerable period of time.
“While it’s difficult to be sure from this study whether there is a causal link, studies like this can be used as a springboard to justify further research into whether managing your cholesterol levels in mid-life could reduce the risk of dementia in later life.
"Research will beat dementia, but our funding has been hit hard by the pandemic. We need public support now more than ever to help us continue our ground-breaking research that will make a world without dementia a reality."
KNOW THE SIGNS
High cholesterol does not have symptoms, you can only find out if you have it through a blood test.
But if you are older, are overweight or have another condition like high blood pressure, it might be a good idea to check it out.
Alzheimer’s disease is named after the doctor who first described it in medical literature, Alois Alzheimer.
The disease affects the brain, and more than 520,000 people in the UK are currently affected by the condition.
A hallmark of the disease is the build-up of amyloid beta proteins in the brain, which causes plaques.
The plaques then result in the loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain - and ultimately the death of those cells and a loss of brain tissue.
As the disease progresses a person might:
- lose common items including keys and glasses around the house
- struggle to find the word they are looking for in conversation
- forget recent conversations or events
- get lost in a familiar place, or while on a familiar journey
- forget important anniversaries, birthdays or appointments
Though memory problems are the most common, there are other signs a person may be struggling with dementia.
They include:
- speech problems – a person may struggle to follow a conversation or find they are often repeating themselves
- problems judging distance, navigating stairs or parking the car
- difficulties making decisions and solving problems
- losing track of the day or date
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In the early stages of disease, the signs may be subtle at first.
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However, over time they become more pronounced and begin to interfere with a person’s daily life.
While there are common symptoms, every person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is unique and will likely experience the disease differently. If you are worried about yourself or someone you love, contact your GP.