Health research has indicated that higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL-C) may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in postmenopausal women.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism by experts from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, higher levels of good cholesterol may raise the risk of Alzheimer’s because HDL-C is generally considered beneficial for health.
Researchers analyzed blood samples of 503 women during a long term study.
The researchers stated that after women go through menopause, the quality of HDL cholesterol becomes more important than its quantity. As women age, the quality of HDL particles declines, which may negatively affect brain health.
They explained that HDL particles vary in type and size and do not function in the same way. Over time, the number of larger sized HDL particles in women’s blood increased, but these larger particles were not as effective as smaller ones.
According to the report, between 2000 and 2016, researchers regularly assessed the memory and cognitive abilities of these women. They concluded that women who had higher levels of smaller HDL particles, particularly those with higher levels of phospholipids, a type of healthy fat, performed better on memory tests as they aged.
It was reported that phospholipids play an important role in keeping brain cells healthy.
Professor Dr Samar of the University of Pittsburgh and head of the research project said that memory decline is one of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. However, previous research by the same team had shown that healthy habits can help HDL particles function more effectively.
The study noted that these habits include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking.
