 |
The
Alzheimer’s Disease Link
to Cholesterol and Inflammation
Did you know there is a link between Alzheimer’s disease and
cholesterol levels? This has been known for some time, actually. Middle-aged adults
with high total cholesterol levels—even moderately high—are more likely
to develop Alzheimer’s. And, very high HDL (good) cholesterol levels
in older adults puts them at reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.
Two new studies takes this link even further. Researchers are trying
to find genes that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The APOE gene
has already been strongly linked to the disease—if you have two versions
of APOE4 (one from mom, one from dad) then you are more likely to develop
Alzheimer’s because this APOE version is inefficient at breaking down
amyloid beta plaques in the brain. Amyloid beta plaques are the hallmark
of Alzheimer’s disease.
The new studies have found five more genes related to the development
of Alzheimer’s. The interesting part is the function of these genes.
The genes are involved with cholesterol and inflammation—both of which
have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have found
that a chemical formed when cholesterol reacts with ozone
(formed by inflammation) is involved in misfolding of
amyloid beta, which makes it difficult to remove from
the brain. The cholesterol link is interesting because
cholesterol is produced in the liver, and the liver may
be the actual source of amyloid beta in the first place,
according to yet another study I recently wrote about.
Another finding comes from the University of California
at Irvine. Cortisol, a hormone produced during stress,
may also play a role in misfolding of amyloid beta. All
the more reason to find some stress relief!
All these links of Alzheimer’s disease to processes that
occur in other areas of the body make it even more important
to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and find
ways to relieve stress. And if you have high cholesterol—do
something about it! Your body is telling you that something
is off. Are you listening to it?
Yours in Health,
Brenda Watson, C.N.C. |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
