Alzheimer's Risk and Lipid Variations

The Unseen Potential of Lipid Variability

Lipid variability, the fluctuations in blood lipid levels over time, hasn't been thoroughly examined in relation to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Given that lipid panels are a common element of routine health screenings, their potential as preventive measures against AD/ADRD demands greater investigation.

Investigating Lipid Variations: A Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota

In our research, we identified and studied all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, aged 60 or older, who had not been diagnosed with AD/ADRD as of January 1, 2006. We focused on individuals who had at least three lipid measurements recorded in the five years prior to that date.

Key Findings: Linking Lipid Variability and Alzheimer's Risk

The analysis included 11,571 participants, with an average age of 71, of which 54% were female. After a median follow-up period of 12.9 years, we noted 2,473 incident AD/ADRD cases. Even after controlling for various variables such as sex, race, baseline lipid measurements, education, BMI, and lipid-lowering treatment, we found that the highest quintile of total cholesterol variability was linked with a 19% increased risk of incident AD/ADRD.

Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

This study, conducted on a large cohort using electronic health records (EHR), reveals that high variability in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels is associated with an increased risk of incident AD/ADRD. These findings necessitate further research to unveil the mechanisms behind this correlation.

Ethan D. Moser, Sheila M. Manemann, Nicholas B. Larson, Jennifer L. St. Sauver, Paul Y. Takahashi, Michelle M. Mielke, Walter A. Rocca, Janet E. Olson, Véronique L. Roger, Alan T. Remaley, Paul A. Decker, Jill M. Killian, Suzette J. Bielinski

Neurology Jul 2023, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207595; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207595

I would like to think that for most people keeping their wits about them is paramount; any intervention to prevent Alzheimer's should be instituted and since the data shows BHRT makes a difference. . . well, think it through! Jason & Rita.