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Plasma HDL levels highly correlate with cognitive function in exceptional longevity.

Gil Atzmon1, Ilan Gabriely, William Greiner

  • 1Institute for Aging Research, Diabetes Research and Training Center, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|October 31, 2002
PubMed
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Higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in centenarians are linked to better cognitive function. This suggests HDL cholesterol plays a protective role in maintaining brain health during aging.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Centenarian families exhibit elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
  • HDL cholesterol may offer neurological and cardiovascular protection during aging.
  • Plasma HDL levels typically decrease with age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma HDL levels and cognitive function in centenarians.
  • To determine if higher HDL cholesterol is linked to better cognitive performance in extreme longevity.

Main Methods:

  • Measured plasma lipids (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and apolipoprotein levels in 139 centenarians (>95 years).
  • Assessed cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
  • Correlated lipid levels with MMSE scores.

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Main Results:

  • Plasma HDL levels showed a significant positive correlation with MMSE scores (r=.32, p<.0001).
  • Lower HDL tertiles were associated with significantly decreased MMSE scores.
  • Higher apolipoprotein A-I and lower triglyceride levels also correlated with superior cognition.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive decline in centenarians is associated with reduced plasma HDL concentrations.
  • Elevated HDL cholesterol appears to have a protective effect on cognition in the very old.
  • HDL's role in maintaining superior cognition during longevity is highlighted.