Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the most common form of dementia, and its symptoms include memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and personality changes.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are ways to lower the risk of developing it. One of the ways is to maintain low cholesterol levels in your body.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the liver and is also found in some foods. Cholesterol is essential for the body as it plays a significant role in the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D production, and hormone production.

However, too much cholesterol in the body can lead to various health issues, such as heart disease and stroke.

There are two types of cholesterol:.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or ‘bad’ cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or ‘good’ cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, or ‘bad’ cholesterol, is considered harmful as it can build up in the walls of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries, causing complications such as heart attack and stroke.

HDL cholesterol, or ‘good’ cholesterol, helps to remove excess cholesterol from the walls of arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and other complications.

Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects the brain’s function, leading to memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive problems.

Research suggests that high levels of LDL cholesterol in the body are linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that people with high cholesterol levels in their midlife are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their later years.

High LDL cholesterol can lead to the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Beta-amyloid plaques are sticky protein clusters that form between nerve cells, disrupting cell communication and leading to cell death.

Beta-amyloid plaques are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Low Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s Prevention

Maintaining low cholesterol levels in the body is essential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. There are several ways to lower cholesterol levels in the body:.

Eat a healthy diet – Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats can help to lower cholesterol levels. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish are good options.
Exercise regularly – Regular exercise can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week.
Quit smoking – Smoking can increase LDL cholesterol levels in the body, leading to various health complications. Quitting smoking can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Manage weight – Being overweight can lead to high cholesterol levels in the body. Maintaining a healthy weight can help to keep cholesterol levels under control.
Take medication – If lifestyle changes do not help to lower cholesterol levels, medication such as statins may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to help keep cholesterol levels under control.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are ways to lower the risk of developing it.

Maintaining low cholesterol levels in the body is one of the ways to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing weight can help to keep cholesterol levels under control.

If lifestyle changes do not help to lower cholesterol levels, medication may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.