Good Cholesterol Staves Off Memory Loss, Dementia

High levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, have long been associated with memory problems experienced by the elderly but new research on the effects of the high-density lipoproteins (HDL), shows that high levels of the “good” cholesterol in middle age are beneficial in maintaining good memory well into the twilight years and may reduce the chances of developing age-related dementia. Read more

Low LDL Cholesterol May Signal Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

It’s become pretty common knowledge that the lower one’s level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the better for the heart. A recent study has confirmed, however, the possibility that a low LDL count may signal a greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Read more

LDL Levels Well Below Current Recommendations Are Most Beneficial

Med Headlines - Keeping LDL cholesterol at levels well below the current recommendations, decreases mortality in patients with atherosclerosis, according to a study done at The State university of new York Health Science Center.

In this randomized study, 10,000 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and LDL cholesterol <130 mg/dL received either 10 mg or 80 mg of atorvastatin. The role of the drug was to decrease LDL cholesterol levels to a varying degree, depending on the dose.

It was found that patients who reached the lowest levels of LDL, had significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, as compared to those, whose LDL level was closer to 130 mg/dL.

Furthermore, researchers did not observe any adverse effects caused by extremely low LDL levels. They also found that the risk of death from any cause, was lowest in the low LDL group.

Study results suggest that cardiovascular risk may be reduced in patients suffering from atherosclerosis, by lowering their LDL cholesterol to levels well below the current target recommendations.