Low Cholesterol May Be Thoughtless Idea...

[tobagotwo]

We've discussed this possibility in other threads, so here's more wood for the fire...

From HeartWire http://www.theheart.org

Low cholesterol linked to reduced cognitive function

Mar 23, 2005 Sue Hughes

Boston, MA - A new study using Framingham Heart Study data has shown a link between low naturally occurring cholesterol levels and poorer cognitive performance.[1]

The study, published recently in the January-February 2005 issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, was conducted by researchers from Boston University. Their major finding is that naturally occurring total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL were associated with modestly but statistically significantly worse mental function in areas such as visual organization, memory, attention, and concentration.

Results showed that after controlling for many other variables, there was a significant positive linear association between total cholesterol and measures of verbal fluency, attention/concentration, abstract reasoning, and a composite score measuring multiple cognitive domains.

Comments following the article...

Lead author Dr Penelope Elias told heartwire that previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding cholesterol and cognitive function, but one study published last year showed similar results to the current study.[2] In addition, she cited two studies of statins that have shown "fairly minor detrimental cognitive effects" associated with the drugs.[3,4]

Current study coauthor Dr Merrill Elias commented to heartwire: "I don't think we can say that our study has defined anything, but there are other data coming out that support our findings. I'm sorry if the cardiologists are not applauding us, but we've got an obligation to report our data."

Food for thought. If you wish to read the original, you will need to register at http://www.theheart.org .

Best wishes,

 

[Phyllis]

Glad **** decided to go off the statin drugs when his levels dropped way below normal after only one month of taking them. Of course now we can't blame his "senior moments" on statins!