Very old adults with better memory function have higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios: KOCOA Project

J Alzheimers Dis. 2013;34(1):273-9. doi: 10.3233/JAD-121138.

Abstract

We cross-sectionally examined which lipid profiles are associated with better cognitive function among those aged 80 and older, free of dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating ≤0.5), functionally independent, and community-dwelling. Our cohort consisted of 193 participants from the "Keys to Optimal Cognitive Aging (KOCOA) Project", a prospective cohort study in Okinawa, Japan. Higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratios were associated with higher scores in memory performance after controlling for confounders. Further research is required to clarify the associations among LDL-C levels, TG/HDL-C ratios, and healthy cognitive aging.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / blood*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Triglycerides / blood*

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Triglycerides