Is Cholesterol a Culprit in Alzheimer's Disease?

• Published in: International psychogeriatrics 2003-01, Vol.15 (S1), p.153-159
• Main Authors: Sparks, D. Larry, Sabbagh, Marwan N., Breitner, John C. S., Hunsaker III, John C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Alzheimer Disease - blood; Alzheimer Disease - epidemiology; Alzheimer's disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides - blood; Cholesterol; Cholesterol - blood; Health risk assessment; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia - blood; Hypercholesterolemia - epidemiology; PRIMARY PREVENTION (BRAIN AT RISK OF CVD); Statins
• ISSN: 1041-6102; 1741-203X
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610203009128

A pivotal role for cholesterol influence on production of the putative AD toxin, amyloid β (Aβ), has been amply demonstrated. More importantly, this relationship has consistently been identified in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Lowering cholesterol levels has been shown to cause a beneficial effect on Aβ levels in animal models, and epidemiological data indicate a beneficial effect on the risk of AD with prior statin use. Blinded, placebo-controlled clinical investigations assessing the benefit of statins on cognitive indices in mild to moderate AD are ongoing and one will be reported on soon. A prospective study assessing the effect of statin use on the risk of AD is under way as an observational component of a placebo-controlled primary prevention trial testing anti-inflammatory agents. Nevertheless, the foregoing suggests that routine monitoring and intervention for elevated cholesterol levels among the elderly could promote more than a healthy heart.