Cholesterol May Not Be Linked to Dementia Risk

Published Online: Saturday, February 1, 2003   [ Request Print ]

New findings counter previous studies showing a link between cholesterol and dementia. As reported in Neurology, researchers assessed the dietary intake of 5395 people who had normal cognition and followed the participants for an average of 6 years. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, the risk for dementia was not linked to intake of total fat, saturated and trans fats, or cholesterol. The study authors concluded that it is premature to definitely rule out a possible association between cholesterol/ fat intake and dementia and suggested that larger studies with a longer follow-up are necessary.