Private MD News

Cholesterol screening may indicate brain function

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

People who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease may want to consider getting a cholesterol test.

A new study has found a possible link between high blood pressure contributing to memory loss and decline in brain function in people aged 45 and older.

Maria C. Carrillo, senior director of medical and scientific relations for the Alzheimer's Association in Chicago, told Bloomberg News that the study was interesting because it looked at more than 19,000 participants.

"It lends further support to what we had already really thought was the case," Carrillo said. "That is that high blood pressure, and certainly cerebrovascular diseases, do contribute to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease."

The study was built on past research from a study called the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke, which tested participants' blood pressure as well as their brain function.

A cholesterol test can help people determine their health status and, if necessary, may help convince people to make some life changes in an effort to get healthier. Cutting down one's fat and salt intake can lower one's blood pressure.