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Relationship of Lipids and Lipid-Lowering Medications With Cognitive Function: The Multi-Ethnic Study of

Kwok Leung Ong1, Margaret J Morris2, Robyn L McClelland3

  • 1Lipid Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

American Journal of Epidemiology
|April 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Higher cholesterol levels were linked to better memory scores, while lipid-lowering statins showed no negative impact on cognition. This study clarifies the complex relationship between lipids, medications, and cognitive function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Inconsistent findings exist regarding cholesterol, lipid-lowering drugs, and dementia risk.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for public health and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between lipid concentrations and lipid-lowering medication use with cognitive function.
  • To examine cognitive performance across three domains: CASI, DSC Test, and DS Test.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (2010-2012).
  • Assessed cognitive function using CASI, DSC Test, and DS Test.
  • Employed statistical analyses, including adjustment for confounders and treatment effects model.

Main Results:

  • Higher total cholesterol, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol were modestly associated with better Digit Span (DS) scores.
  • No significant associations were found between lipid parameters and CASI or DSC Test scores.
  • Lipid-lowering medication use, particularly statins, was linked to improved CASI and backward DS scores, not worse cognitive function.

Conclusions:

  • The study does not support a robust association between lipid concentrations and cognitive function.
  • Evidence does not indicate that lipid-lowering medication, especially statins, negatively impacts cognitive function.
  • Findings suggest a complex, non-detrimental relationship between lipid management and cognitive health.

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