NEW YORK, Jan 1: A recent study has revealed a connection between elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), commonly known as "good cholesterol," and a heightened risk of dementia among older adults. The study, focusing on participants predominantly over 70 years old, suggests that very high levels of HDL-C, unrelated to diet, may indicate a metabolic disorder rather than a dietary concern.

During a 6.3-year follow-up involving 18,668 healthy older participants, researchers found that individuals with initial HDL-C levels exceeding 80 mg/dL or 2.07 mmol/L faced a 27% higher risk of dementia compared to those with optimal levels (for men: 40 to 60 mg/dL or 1.03–1.55 mmol/L; for women: 50 to 60 mg/dL or 1.55–2.07 mmol/L).

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, identified 2,709 participants with very high HDL-C levels at the study's onset. Among these, 38 cases of dementia occurred in those under 75 years old, and 101 cases were reported in individuals aged 75 and older with exceptionally high HDL-C levels.

While "good" and "bad" cholesterol labels oversimplify the roles of HDL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively, experts suggest HDL is more "neutral" than exclusively "good." The study does not establish a direct causal link between HDL-C and dementia but prompts further investigation into this association.

Furthermore, high HDL-C levels may lead to pro-inflammatory changes in the brain, potentially connected to certain forms of dementia. The study highlights the complexity of HDL's role in the body and the need for more comprehensive research to understand its relationship with brain health.

However, the study's limitations, including a predominantly white and relatively healthy participant pool, raise questions about generalizing the findings to more diverse populations. The researchers acknowledge the need for further exploration into genetic factors and dementia risk associated with high HDL levels, emphasizing that these findings are preliminary and warrant additional research for broader applicability.