Quality of good cholesterol might impact Alzheimer’s risk in women, study finds

A recent study has uncovered that the quality, not just the quantity, of good cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a critical role in a woman’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease as she transitions through menopause. Conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, the study found that larger HDL particles, which increase during menopause, are less effective in supporting cognitive health than their smaller, phospholipid-rich counterparts.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the research demonstrates that women who maintain a higher concentration of these smaller HDL particles during midlife may be more likely to retain better episodic memory in later years. Episodic memory, or the ability to recall specific events, is often one of the first cognitive functions to deteriorate as Alzheimer’s progresses.

“Even as early as midlife, we observed that women with more small, phospholipid-rich HDL particles had a better chance of preserving memory function as they aged,” explained lead researcher Samar R. El Khoudary, professor of epidemiology at Pitt Public Health, as per a report in IANS.

The research team followed women over a 16-year period, from 2000 to 2016, repeatedly assessing cognitive function and tracking changes in the composition and functionality of their HDL particles. While higher levels of total HDL-C are often associated with cardiovascular benefits, the study found that as women age, the size and composition of these particles become more critical to brain health.

Previous studies by the team have shown that certain health behaviours, such as adopting a balanced diet and staying physically active, can enhance the quality of HDL particles by increasing phospholipid concentrations in the bloodstream, which may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

El Khoudary noted, “Although higher HDL-C levels might not protect against cognitive decline later in life, especially after menopause, lifestyle changes that improve the quality of these particles could be key to better brain health in the long run.”

This study challenges the traditional view that higher HDL-C levels are always beneficial and introduces a more nuanced understanding of cholesterol’s role in women’s health. It highlights the importance of early intervention and lifestyle adjustments during midlife, a critical window when cognitive health can be influenced. While many women focus on managing overall cholesterol levels, this research suggests that the key to reducing Alzheimer’s risk may lie in improving the composition of HDL particles, starting as early as one’s 40s.

(With inputs from IANS)