Why would doctors recommend something that’s actually been shown to increase your risk of depression and suicide – while also raising your risk for Alzheimer’s and wreaking havoc on your memory? STORY AT-A-GLANCE Cholesterol is found in your bloodstream and cells, and is necessary for the production of cell membranes. Cholesterol also plays an important role in the formation of memories and is vital for healthy neurological function
Higher cholesterol levels are associated with better brain health; low cholesterol levels have been shown to increase your risk of depression and suicide
A 2014 study found higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL were associated with a reduced risk for amyloid plaque deposits in the brain, independently of age and presence of the APOE4 gene, which raises your risk for Alzheimer’s
Research published in 2008 found elderly individuals who were not genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease who had the highest levels of cholesterol — including the highest levels of LDL — had the best memory
Another study published in 2018 came to a similar, although more complex, conclusion. While having higher total cholesterol at midlife was associated with a reduced risk for cognitive decline after the age of 85, those whose cholesterol levels increased between midlife and late life were at increased risk While cholesterol has been vilified as something that should be as low as possible to prevent heart disease, it’s actually a crucial component for good health and too low a level can have serious repercussions for your health….