Fat Bellies and High Cholesterol Lead To Alzheimer's

2 months ago 17th Apr 15:34

These result follow closely behind those of another U.S. study that showed that having a big belly in middle age may greatly increase one's risk of later developing Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.

Critics of the findings say that Dr Solomon's previous research had looked at the issue of high cholesterol levels in middle age as a risk factor for later development of dementia, but did not focus specifically on Alzheimer's disease.

The people in the new study underwent detailed health evaluations between 1964 and 1973 when they were ages 40 to 45, including blood cholesterol measurements. The researchers then looked at the cholesterol measurements of the 504 people in the study who developed Alzheimer's disease decades later.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in the body and it is well documented that high levels in the blood can raise one's risk of heart disease.

Physical inactivity, obesity and a fatty diet can contribute to high cholesterol, exercise and eating more fruits and vegetables can lower cholesterol, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are readily available.

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