Low HDL cholesterol linked to poor memory

Having low levels of HDL cholesterol may make middle-aged adults vulnerable to poor short-term memory. HDL or high-density lipoprotein is the "good" cholesterol, as it protects the arteries from clogging. Low levels of HDL make one prone to heart diseases. But the relation between HDL levels and memory functioning is not known yet. To examine the relationship between HDL cholesterol and short-term verbal memory in middle-aged adults, British researchers studied 3673 individuals, aged between 55 and 61 years who participated in two memory tests. The first test was conducted between 1997 and 1999 and the second one between 2002 and 2004. Short-term verbal memory was assessed at the outset with a 20-word free recall test. Memory deficit was defined as recalling no more than four words. Memory decline was defined as a reduction of two or more words between the first test and a second test. Sociodemographic factors, illness and medication use were taken into consideration. It was found that compared with a high HDL level, low HDL was associated with memory deficit during both tests. Further, those with low HDL were 27 percent and 53 percent more likely to have a memory deficit on the first and second test, respectively. A decrease in HDL cholesterol between the first and second test was associated with a 61 percent increased likelihood of a decline in memory. The findings suggest that low levels of HDL cholesterol can be a risk factor for memory loss. More studies are expected to follow to find out whether raising HDL would improve memory.

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