Dementia is a terrifying word, with numerous implications, and for many, it raises deep concerns about the future. My own mother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 1981, though back then, with her smoking habit, it’s unclear if the diagnosis was entirely accurate. Dementia generally falls into one of three main categories: Alzheimer’s disease (caused by plaques and tangles of amyloid proteins), brain damage from strokes, or neurological changes from Lewy bodies, often linked with Parkinson’s disease.
But how can we protect ourselves from dementia? Recent research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that taking care of our hearts could also protect our brains. Specifically, people with low levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are at a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. Keeping LDL cholesterol levels down to around 70 can reduce the risk of all-cause dementia by 26 to 28 percent compared to those with higher LDL levels.
Some individuals—what I call “genetic celebrities”—have naturally low LDL levels, often regardless of lifestyle. These are the people we hear about, like Grandpa Joe, who smoked, drank, ate bacon every day, and lived to 100 while staying mentally sharp. But for most of us, we don’t have that genetic luxury. We need to actively work at lowering our LDL, either through diet, exercise, or medication.
So, what should you do? First, aim for a Mediterranean diet and give it three months. Afterward, check your cholesterol levels—if your LDL is low, you’ve likely achieved your goal. For others, medication, specifically statins, may be necessary to lower LDL. Statins also have anti-inflammatory effects that likely play a role in reducing dementia risk.
Though there’s misinformation circulating about statins, the reality is that they are generally safe and effective. Common side effects can include muscle pain, but this can often be psychological—referred to as the nocebo effect. If you’re concerned, try a trial where you take the medication and then stop it to see if the muscle pain subsides.
Other side effects, like liver enzyme increases or blood sugar changes, are rare and manageable, and switching statins can often resolve these issues.
In conclusion, if you’re worried about dementia and memory loss, controlling your LDL cholesterol might just be the answer. It’s a simple but powerful step to protect your brain as you age. Stay well!
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