Study: Link found between cholesterol levels and dementia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (CNN)—While the link between cholesterol and heart disease is well-known, new research shows a possible connection to Alzheimer’s.

A new study published in the Journal Neurology yesterday, shows a strong correlation between fluctuating cholesterol levels and dementia.

Researchers say patients whose lipid levels fluctuate a lot, up and down over a five year period, have a 19% higher risk of Alzheimer’s.

Using this information, doctors may be able to use routine screenings for cholesterol and triglyceride levels to help prevent dementia going forward.

The study proves a link but not a direct causal relationship between fluctuating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and Alzheimer’s.

But researchers hope that diet and exercise, along with prescribed medications and supplements could offer new hope in preventing the onset of dementia.