Low LDL Cholesterol Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk, Study Finds
People with low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” may face a lower risk of developing dementia — including Alzheimer’s-related dementia — according to new research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
The large-scale study found that individuals with LDL-C levels below 1.8 mmol/L (or <70 mg/dL) had a significantly reduced risk of both all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s-related dementia compared to those with higher LDL-C levels (over 3.4 mmol/L or >130 mg/dL). Specifically, the risk was reduced by 26% for all types of dementia and 28% for Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
Interestingly, while lower LDL-C levels were associated with cognitive protection, the benefit plateaued at very low levels. When LDL-C dropped below 1.4 mmol/L (<55 mg/dL), the reduction in dementia risk shrank to 18%, and at levels below 0.8 mmol/L (<30 mg/dL), the protective effect disappeared altogether.
Statins — medications commonly used to lower cholesterol — provided an additional layer of protection for those with already low LDL-C. Among individuals with LDL-C levels under 1.8 mmol/L, those taking statins had a 13% lower risk of all-cause dementia and a 12% lower risk of Alzheimer’s-related dementia compared to non-users.
While low LDL-C levels are already known to help prevent cardiovascular events, their impact on dementia risk has been less clear — especially the point at which lowering LDL-C provides no further cognitive benefit. To explore this, researchers reviewed medical data from 11 university hospitals, analyzing over 192,000 individuals with low LDL-C and matching them with patients who had higher levels.
The researchers emphasize that this was an observational study, which means it can’t establish causality. They also noted several limitations, including potential underdiagnosis of dementia and a lack of long-term LDL-C tracking.
Still, the findings offer a compelling message:
“Low LDL-C levels (<70 mg/dL) are significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia, with statin therapy providing additional protective effects,” the authors concluded.
“These findings underscore the crucial role of managing LDL-C in lowering dementia risk.”
Our cholesterol test kit can help you monitor the levels of your LDL.
🧠 Lower LDL Cholesterol, Lower Dementia Risk?
New research shows people with LDL-C levels under 70 mg/dL have a significantly reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
✅ 26% lower dementia risk
✅ Statins offer extra protection
⚠️ No added benefit when LDL-C drops below 30 mg/dL
Study suggests keeping LDL-C in check could help protect your brain, not just your heart.
[Published in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry]
