High Triglyceride Levels May Lower Risk of Dementia but Raise It for Stroke, Heart Disease
It research suggests that having high levels of triglycerides may lower your risk of dementia while raising the risks of heart disease and stroke.
A study found that higher levels of triglycerides were linked to a lower risk of dementia.
They were also associated with slower cognitive decline as people aged.
However, there was not enough data to state the effect of higher-than-normal levels.
Experts advise that people should not be seeking to have high levels of triglycerides.
Rather, a healthy diet and exercise are the best ways to reduce your dementia risk.
According to new research published online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, older adults who have higher levels of triglycerides within the normal to high-normal range appear to have a reduced risk of developing dementia.
They also have slower cognitive decline as they age.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that triglyceridesTrusted Source are a type of fat found in our blood.
Sources of triglycerides include butter, oils, and other fats found in food.
They can also come from eating more calories than we need. Any time we consume more calories than we require for energy production, they are stored in the body’s cells in the form of triglycerides.
The NIH notes that some triglycerides are necessary for good health. However, excess amounts in the blood can increase the risk for conditions like heart disease and stroke.
The study authors speculate that having triglycerides in the upper end of the normal range might indicate that a person is engaging in a lifestyle
“It may serve as a useful predictor for dementia risk and cognitive decline in older populations,” they concluded.
Dietary habits that can reduce your risk for dementia
Given the interplay between diet and triglyceride levels, one area to look at in reducing your dementia risk is through good nutrition.
Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the National Coalition on Healthcare, said, “For adults in the earlier and middle stages of their lives, maintaining lower triglyceride levels, typically achieved through a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, can play a significant role in mitigating the risk of dementia as they age.”
Costa advised that laboratories usually classify triglyceride measures below 150 mg/dL as normal, while anything under 90 mg/dL is considered to be optimal.
“To achieve this,” said Costa, “individuals should focus on a balanced, heart-healthy diet, like the DASH or Green Mediterranean diet, with adequate intake of fats from sources such as fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.”
She also recommends avoiding ultra-processed foods high in fats and sugar; limiting alcohol consumption; and managing your weight through diet and exercise in order to keep your triglycerides in check.
Costa advised that laboratories usually classify triglyceride measures below 150 mg/dL as normal, while anything under 90 mg/dL is considered to be optimal.
“To achieve this,” said Costa, “individuals should focus on a balanced, heart-healthy diet, like the DASH or Green Mediterranean diet, with adequate intake of fats from sources such as fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.”
She also recommends avoiding ultra-processed foods high in fats and sugar; limiting alcohol consumption; and managing your weight through diet and exercise in order to keep your triglycerides in check.
However, while values below 90 mg/dL might be deemed to be optimal for younger people, this study suggests that, for older adults, maintaining triglyceride levels within the high-normal range may have additional benefits for brain health and dementia prevention, according to Costa.
She emphasized, however, that the exact relationship between triglycerides and dementia risk remains unknown. More research is needed in order to understand what these findings really mean.
“It’s important to note,” she added, “that this does not mean individuals should aim for high triglyceride levels.
“Rather, maintaining a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and regular exercise regimen throughout life is key.”
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