Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
07:29
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
9.6K
Long-Term Levels of LDL-C and Cognitive Function: The CARDIA Study
Matthew T Mefford1, Ligong Chen1, Cora E Lewis1
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|February 10, 2021
Summary
Long-term high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are linked to minor memory decline in middle age. This 25-year study found no impact on other cognitive functions or brain imaging markers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
- Aging Research
Background:
- Long-term effects of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) on middle-aged cognition remain unclear.
- Understanding this association is crucial for preventive health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cumulative LDL-C levels over 25 years and cognitive function in middle-aged adults.
- To explore potential impacts on brain structure and blood flow.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of Black and White US adults followed for 25 years.
- Time-averaged cumulative LDL-C calculated from serial measurements.
- Cognitive function assessed using DSST, RAVLT, and Stroop tests; brain MRI sub-study for AWMV and GM-CBFV.
Main Results:
- Higher cumulative LDL-C was associated with significantly lower scores on the Rey Auditory Visual Learning Test (RAVLT), indicating memory impairment.
- No significant associations were found between cumulative LDL-C and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Stroop Test performance, abnormal white matter volume, or gray matter cerebral blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Cumulative LDL-C over 25 years is associated with small but significant differences in memory function.
- No evidence suggests a link between long-term LDL-C levels and other cognitive domains or brain imaging markers in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
475
Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
475
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
113
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
113
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
660
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
660
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
428
Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
428
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
217
Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
217
01:26Longitudinal Studies
337
Longitudinal studies are also widely used in other medical and social science fields. For instance, in cardiovascular research, they can monitor patients' health over decades to identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or smoking, and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of preventive measures. Similarly, in mental health studies, researchers might follow individuals from adolescence into adulthood to understand the development and progression of conditions like...
337