Study Says “Good” Cholesterol Can Save Your Heart AND Your Memory

By Charlotte Bumstead
A recent U.S. study has found highlevels of “good” cholesterol can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers examined 1,130 people over 65 who were white, black or Hispanic and living in New York City. The participants showed no history of memory or thinking problems at the beginning of the study. Researchers found, over a period of four years, those who had the highest levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were 60 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those with the lowest HDL levels.

Through the use of medical and neurological data, the team did neuropsychological testing to diagnose Alzheimer’s. Those in the highest group evidently appeared to be in less risk of the incurable disease by 60 percent.

Interestingly, researchers said it did not appear to make a difference if volunteers had high HDL levels naturally or if they were relying on substitute drugs called statins to improve cholesterol levels. However, a high HDL reading is best achieved through a healthy diet and exercise. According to the American Heart Association, a high HDL evaluation can also protect against heart disease.

Read more on the study.