The older we get, the more likely it is that we will start to prioritize our physical health. It takes more work as we age to maintain the amazing health we took for granted in our youth. Preventing diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease, becomes a top priority.

Though researchers haven't been able to pinpoint the exact origin of Alzheimer's disease, they are still looking at several potential reasons. A correlation between excessive cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease is one theory.

A study that was published in the scholarly journal Neurology found that adults with high cholesterol had more brain plaques than adults with normal or low cholesterol. Brain plaques arise from an accumulation of amyloid proteins. Some people consider them to be a classic sign of Alzheimer's.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the two distinct forms of cholesterol. A higher value is preferable for HDL, but a lower number is preferable for LDL. According to research, patients with amyloid plaque deposits also have high amounts of "bad" cholesterol and low levels of "good" cholesterol in their brains.

While there is still much to be learned about the origins of Alzheimer's disease, we do know that high cholesterol is associated with several other health issues. Heart disease and strokes are two of the most prevalent. It is crucial to monitor and control cholesterol for these reasons.

Why Do people have high cholesterol?

High LDL cholesterol can result from several factors, according to the American Heart Association:

Genetics:

A family history of elevated cholesterol may be a factor. You can be susceptible to having high cholesterol if your parents or grandparents do.

Age:

Another unpredictable factor that raises cholesterol is age. Cholesterol can increase as a result of several aging-related changes, such as a decrease in the liver's capacity to eliminate LDL from the body.

Diet:

Eating a lot of fat might raise your cholesterol unhealthily. Common culprits include baked items, dairy products with added fat, and animal products. In contrast, a diet that is mostly plant-based and abundant in fruits, vegetables, and nuts may help reduce LDL.

Lack of exercise:

Sedentary behavior can also raise cholesterol levels. Exercise raises HDL levels while also lowering LDL.

Smoking:

Smoking harms the arteries' linings. Fatty deposits are more likely to accumulate as a result of this. Smoking, according to some studies, may also cause your HDL to drop.

Obesity:

Your ability to control your weight has an impact on your cholesterol levels. According to research, those who have a body mass index of 30 or more are more likely to have high cholesterol.

At Heritage Care Home senior living, live well

We prioritize assisting residents in living their best lives at Heritage Care Home Senior Living Home. We urge you to come and check out our amenities in person, from our wholesome meals to our on-site wellness programs. To schedule a personal tour in a community near you right now, call us at (704) 704-2231.