A new study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research and the University of Kuopio in Finland recently concluded that elevated levels of cholesterol in mid-life influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or vascular dementia later in life. This study tracked nearly 10,000 people for four decades, starting when the participants were between 40 and 45 years of age. After controlling for weight, hypertension, and diabetes, the study found the following:
1) Participants who had high cholesterol, or a value of 240 mg/dl or more, had a 66 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease later in life, and
2) People with borderline-high cholesterol, between 200 and 239 mg/dl, had a 25 percent spike in risk.
This study merits our attention for two reasons: First, although previous studies have linked heart and brain health, this is one of the first studies to examine the association between borderline high cholesterol levels and dementia. Second, the study’s sample size and design weigh in its favor. Long-term cohort studies (also known as Prospective Studies ) that: i) have a substantial sample size; ii) measure study endpoints both through and at the completion of a considerable length of time (in this case, four decades); iii) control for important confounding variables; and, iv) do so across a diverse study population – give us some of the most valuable information in research.
As millions of individuals in Western nations have borderline or high cholesterol levels during mid-life, I am certain that many may be alarmed by the results of this study. The good news, however, is that for most individuals, a combination of sound dietary habits, moderate exercise, and a conscious effort to reduce stress levels can help achieve healthy – or even optimal – cholesterol profiles. Further, a large body of corroborative epidemiologic research suggests that a diet rich in quality whole grains, abundant fresh fruit and vegetables, mono-unsaturated fats such as olive oil, largely vegetarian proteins such as legumes, and a limited amount of red meat can contribute substantially to achieving a healthy lipid profile.
By now, we know what a quality whole-foods diet (that is based largely on plant foods) and moderate daily exercise can do for us. This study is one more reason to – Just do it!
Posted in Current/Breaking Health News, Health, Heart Disease, Prevention Tagged: Cholesterol, Dementia, Desiree Jones, Health, Heart Disease, Prevention
A new study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research and the University of Kuopio in Finland recently concluded that elevated levels of cholesterol in mid-life influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease or vascular dementia later in life. This study tracked nearly 10,000 people for four decades, starting when the participants were between 40 and 45 years of age. After controlling for weight, hypertension, and diabetes, the study found the following:
1) Participants who had high cholesterol, or a value of 240 mg/dl or more, had a 66 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease later in life, and
2) People with borderline-high cholesterol, between 200 and 239 mg/dl, had a 25 percent spike in risk.
This study merits our attention for two reasons: First, although previous studies have linked heart and brain health, this is one of the first studies to examine the association between borderline high cholesterol levels and dementia. Second, the study’s sample size and design weigh in its favor. Long-term cohort studies (also known as Prospective Studies ) that: i) have a substantial sample size; ii) measure study endpoints both through and at the completion of a considerable length of time (in this case, four decades); iii) control for important confounding variables; and, iv) do so across a diverse study population – give us some of the most valuable information in research.
As millions of individuals in Western nations have borderline or high cholesterol levels during mid-life, I am certain that many may be alarmed by the results of this study. The good news, however, is that for most individuals, a combination of sound dietary habits, moderate exercise, and a conscious effort to reduce stress levels can help achieve healthy – or even optimal – cholesterol profiles. Further, a large body of corroborative epidemiologic research suggests that a diet rich in quality whole grains, abundant fresh fruit and vegetables, mono-unsaturated fats such as olive oil, largely vegetarian proteins such as legumes, and a limited amount of red meat can contribute substantially to achieving a healthy lipid profile.
By now, we know what a quality whole-foods diet (that is based largely on plant foods) and moderate daily exercise can do for us. This study is one more reason to – Just do it!
Posted in Current/Breaking Health News, Health, Heart Disease, Prevention Tagged: Cholesterol, Dementia, Desiree Jones, Health, Heart Disease, Prevention