William Atkins
Saturday, 05 July 2008 22:47
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
The workers with the higher HDL levels performed better than the people with lower HDL levels. In addition, the workers who HDL levels decreased between the two tests also saw a decrease in their performance.
The researchers concluded,
“HDL-C levels are potentially modifiable, and our results suggest that low HDL-C is associated with poor memory and decline in memory in middle-aged adults.”
Specifically, the people with the lowest HDL levels (those defined as less than 40 milligrams per deciliters)—at age 55 years—had a 27% higher risk of memory loss when compared to those with the highest HDL (those defined as levels over 60 milligrams per deciliters).
At age 60 years, those study participants with the lowest HDL levels had a 53% more likely chance to perform poorly on these short-term memory tests—and, thus, having the higher risk of memory loss—when compared to those subjects with the highest HDL level.
Thus, higher levels of “good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, seems to be associated with better memory and, thus, the less chance of getting dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory degrading diseases found in people as they age, especially after the age of 60 years.
Singh-Manoux, who is also associated with the French National Institute for Health and Medical Reseach, commented on the association of HDL and memory in people,
"Considering the way the population is aging -- the 65-plus age group being the fastest-growing age group -- we are facing a dementia time bomb.” [Reuters: “
'Good' cholesterol may protect memory, study finds”]
What are some good ways to increase the levels of "good" cholesterol? Please read on to find out what Dr. Tim said on ABC News.
