Study explores Alzheimer’s cholesterol link

A new study has revealed a new link between cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease.

Research undertaken at the University of California, Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center found high levels of good cholesterol and low levels of bad cholesterol lead to a reduction of the amount of amyloid plaque deposited in the brain, which is a primary feature of Alzheimer's. 

It was already known that cholesterol and Alzheimer's were related, but this study is the first to show a specific link to amyloid deposits. 

The researchers claimed the association between the two is similar to the role cholesterol plays in cardiovascular diseases.

Bruce Reed, study leader, commented: "Unhealthy patterns of cholesterol could be directly causing the higher levels of amyloid known to contribute to Alzheimer's, in the same way that such patterns promote heart disease."

The study was conducted on 74 individuals aged 70 and over. Around half of these were cognitively normal, while the remainder had some form of impairment.