How ‘Good Cholesterol’ May Help Lower Your Alzheimer’s Risk

 

• HDL cholesterol is often thought of as the “good cholesterol” that helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
• However, new research indicates it may also play a role in brain health.
• More HDL in the brain was linked to better cognitive performance and higher levels of a peptide called amyloid-beta 42.
• Scientists say that drugs that target HDL activity may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
• Several medications are under investigation at this time.
  

 

Most of the time people hear about cholesterolTrusted Source within the context of preventing cardiovascular disease.

There is the so-called “bad cholesterol,” LDL (low-density lipoproteins), which can increase your risk for clogged arteries, heart attack, and stroke when you have too much of it.

There is also the “good cholesterol,” HDL (high-density lipoproteins), which protects you by carrying cholesterol to your liver for disposal.

However, a group of researchers say HDL may also play an important role in brain health by lowing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.