Doctor says simple test could predict dementia six years ahead of symptoms

A new preliminary study is breaking ground among older people who are keen to give themselves the best defences against dementia with early diagnosis and treatment. The research discovered a seemingly completely unconnected test could predict dementia up to 6 years before an ordinary diagnosis would have been made.

The preliminary study was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions earlier this month in Chicago after tracking nearly 10,000 adults in their 70s across Australia and the US. Using routine cholesterol checks showed people with stable levels had a significantly lower likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia or showing cognitive decline in general.

On the other hand, those with fluctuating levels year on year, particularly if there was no lifestyle or medication changes that would be the cause, were more at risk of developing the disease. Study lead author Dr Zhen Zhou of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia encouraged people with fluctuating levels to be more closely monitored and proactive interventions put in place in light of these results.

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Over 6 years of follow-ups, those in the top 25% of high fluctuations in cholesterol were up to 60% more likely to have a dementia diagnosis, and a 23% higher chance of suffering cognitive decline. Participants with consistently higher levels of LDL cholesterol were also found to have a faster decline in cognitive health and memory.

High levels of HDL cholesterol, also known as the ‘good cholesterol’, were not associated with dementia or cognitive decline in this study. In previous studies, HDL cholesterol was proven to protect against heart disease as well. The researchers also shared their hope to encourage routine cholesterol checks for older people to highlight those with a higher risk of dementia, allowing them to get appropriate treatment earlier.

The researchers noted their study was observational and they didn't have answers as to why these fluctuations could be tied to dementia results. They also advised their research had limitations as the demographic of participants in the study was 96% white adults.