Do you have a family member who repeatedly forgets to take his / her medications? You are not alone because a lot of people forget also. There are several possible reasons why people forget to take their drugs or even execute some crucial tasks. One such idea could be low levels of a type of cholesterol known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The exciting part of this research is that memory loss can result in dementia later in life. This position is corroborated by high profile research that infers that at age 60, men and women with low levels of HDL were over 53% more likely to have memory loss than similar individuals who have normal HDL levels. Ironically, commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug, known as the statin family, is not known to be associated with memory loss.

How Low HDL Levels Result in Memory Loss

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that enhance brain function. Likewise, HDL inhibits the formation of beta-amyloids. According to Dr. Carla Shatz of the Standford University School of Medicine, beta-amyloids are associated with the plaques observed in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients. Hence, the inhibition of beta-amyloid reduces the likelihood of plaque formation and memory loss. The irony of this conversation is that high cholesterol (abnormally high LDL) can result in plaque formation in the brain’s blood vessels. Hence, there is a need for patients to have normal cholesterol levels. According to the American Heart Association, an ideal LDL level should be less than 100 mg/dl for most healthy people. Also, normal HDL levels are between 40 mg/dl to 59 mg/dl though patients should have HDL levels above 60 mg/dl.

How to Prevent This Challenge

Sometimes, it is difficult to know when patients cross this threshold levels. Nevertheless, patients who proactively engage in healthy behaviors are more likely to have healthy cholesterol levels even at age 60 and beyond.

• These healthy practices include regular exercise as well as abstinence from tobacco products.

• Also, a heart-healthy diet, likened to the Mediterranean diet, minimizes the likelihood of having abnormal cholesterol levels.

• Besides, patients should be conscious of the food and drink they consume. For example, there is a need to minimize the consumption of saturated fats.

• Individuals who currently have abnormal cholesterol levels may need the help of a licensed health professional such as a cardiologist.

• Nevertheless, a pharmacogenetics test can identify patients who will likely have adverse events such as memory loss when placed on cholesterol-lowering drugs. Click here to learn more.