Lower 'Bad' Cholesterol and Elevated Lipid Markers Associated with Reduced Alzheimer’s Risk
New research links lower 'bad' cholesterol and higher fat transport markers with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, offering potential for predictive and preventive strategies based on blood lipid profiles.
Recent research conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has found intriguing links between blood lipid levels and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia worldwide. The study suggests that individuals with lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol, specifically small dense LDL particles, and higher levels of specific blood transport markers for fats may have a decreased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's.
The groundbreaking findings are based on an analysis of over 800 older adults from the long-term Framingham Heart Study. Researchers observed that higher concentrations of small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C), which are known to promote artery-clogging plaque formation and are associated with cardiovascular diseases, correlated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Conversely, higher levels of ApoB48, a lipoprotein involved in transporting dietary fats from the gut into circulation, were linked to a lower risk of the disease.
Interestingly, the study also found that individuals with the lowest levels of HDL cholesterol—often termed 'good' cholesterol due to its protective role in heart health—also showed a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those with higher HDL levels. These complex relationships highlight that blood lipids might play diverse roles in brain health, separate from their effects on cardiovascular health.
The research underscores the potential of using blood lipid profiles for Alzheimer’s risk assessment and points toward future strategies in dementia prevention that involve modifying lipid metabolism. The study was published in the journal Neurology and involved collaboration among multiple research institutions, including Boston University and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
As dementia remains a leading health concern with millions affected globally—and with projections indicating a sharp rise in cases—understanding the role of blood lipids offers valuable insights into potential preventative measures. Managing cardiovascular risk factors might not only benefit heart health but could also play a crucial role in reducing the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
For further details, see the study: Sokratis Charisis et al, 'Association of Blood Lipoprotein Levels With Incident Alzheimer Disease in Community-Dwelling Individuals,' published in Neurology (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-bad-cholesterol-higher-fat-markers.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Innovative Liver Organoid Model Recreates Complex Liver Structure
Scientists have developed a new liver organoid model that accurately replicates the organ's complex cellular architecture, enabling detailed study of liver functions and diseases in the lab.
Using Tumor Microenvironment Mapping to Predict Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Outcomes
A new study demonstrates how analyzing immune cell arrangements within lung tumors can better predict patient response to immunotherapy, paving the way for more personalized treatment strategies.
Breakthrough in Vascularized Organoids Promises Advances in Research and Regenerative Medicine
A breakthrough in growing blood vessel-containing organoids could revolutionize disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative therapies, enabling larger and more mature tissue development.