New scientific discoveries shed light on the surprising potential role that “good” cholesterol may play in maintaining our brain health.
Tl;dr
- HDL cholesterol may play an important role in brain health.
- Small HDL may help maintain gray matter in the brain.
- Vascular health, linked to HDL and LDL levels, influences brain health.
Cholesterol and brain health: a surprising correlation
Cholesterol is not only an indicator of our cardiovascular health. Indeed, new research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine suggests that HDL cholesterol, also called “good” cholesterol, may play a significant role in maintaining our brain health as we age.
HDL cholesterol: an ally against neurodegenerative diseases?
Faced with the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, scientists are increasingly looking for ways to protect the brain and improve cognitive function. This study identifies HDL as a promising element in this fight. John Giaconastudy author and associate professor in the Department of Applied Clinical Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, told Health : “This study extended the benefits of HDL beyond reducing cardiovascular disease to also preserve gray matter and prevent brain atrophy at the end of life.”
What is HDL?
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is not the only type of cholesterol in the body. There is also low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — the “bad” cholesterol. While LDL can build up in the arteries and lead to heart attacks or strokes, HDL plays a role as a cleaner. It travels through the body through the bloodstream, picking up cholesterol and lipids deposited in peripheral tissues like the coronary arteries and aorta, then transports them to the liver, which breaks them down and removes them from the body.
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The role of HDL in the preservation of gray matter
Researchers tracked HDL levels, function and size in more than 1,800 adults ages 35 to 70 over a seven-year period. They also tested participants’ cognitive function and measured brain matter volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the beginning and end of the study. The results showed that higher HDL function and smaller HDL particle size were linked to greater gray matter volume and greater cognitive ability in older age.
Preserve brain health
Despite uncertainty regarding HDL’s influence on cognition, the link between vascular health—which is affected by HDL and LDL levels—and brain health is well established. Healthy lifestyle habits are important for heart health and can help regulate cholesterol levels. People concerned about preventing Alzheimer’s disease may also follow a Mediterranean diet or similar eating pattern.
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