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Updated: May 1, 2026
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
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Gender-specific associations between lipids and cognitive decline in the elderly
Marie-Laure Ancelin1, Emmanuelle Ripoche1, Anne-Marie Dupuy2
1Inserm, U1061, Montpellier, F-34093, France; Univ Montpellier 1, U1061, Montpellier, France.
Summary
Serum lipid levels impact cognitive decline differently in men and women over 65. High cholesterol in men and specific lipid profiles in women are linked to faster cognitive decline, influenced by genetics and hormones.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Cognitive decline in older adults is a growing public health concern.
- Serum lipid levels are known cardiovascular risk factors and may influence brain health.
- Understanding the relationship between lipids and cognition is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between serum lipid profiles and cognitive function over time in a large, community-based cohort of older adults.
- To explore potential gender-specific differences in these associations.
- To consider the influence of genetic vulnerability and vascular pathologies.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study involving 2737 men and 4118 women aged 65+ from three French cities.
- Longitudinal assessment of cognitive functions (visual memory, verbal fluency, psychomotor speed, executive abilities) over 7 years.
- Multi-adjusted Cox models stratified by gender, accounting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, health, genetic, and vascular factors.
Main Results:
- In men, a hypercholesterolemic pattern (high total cholesterol, low HDL-C, high LDL-C) was associated with a 25-50% increased risk of cognitive decline in psychomotor speed, executive abilities, and verbal fluency.
- Specific associations with low total cholesterol and low LDL-C were observed in men, potentially influenced by genetic factors.
- In women, high HDL-C was linked to faster psychomotor speed decline, while low LDL-C and triglycerides were associated with executive function decline, interacting with hormonal treatments.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive decline in older adults exhibits a complex, gender-specific pattern related to serum lipid levels.
- Genetic vulnerability plays a role in lipid-associated cognitive decline in men.
- Hormonal status and specific lipid profiles are critical factors in cognitive aging for women.
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