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Associations Between 20-Year Lipid Variability Throughout Young Adulthood and Midlife Cognitive Function and Brain
Adina Zeki Al Hazzouri1, Michelle R Caunca2,3, Neal Jawadekar1
1Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
High variability in LDL and HDL cholesterol over 20 years in young adulthood is linked to poorer midlife cognitive function and brain health. This study highlights the importance of stable lipid levels for long-term brain integrity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- Long-term lipid variability in young adulthood and its impact on midlife cognitive function and brain integrity are not well understood.
- The study investigates the relationship between lipid profiles and neurological outcomes over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between long-term variability in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol during young adulthood and cognitive function and brain integrity in midlife.
- To assess the impact of lipid variability on cognitive performance and brain structure in a cohort followed for 20 years.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 3,328 adults in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.
- Defined LDL and HDL variability as the intraindividual standard deviation of lipid measurements from 1985-2005.
- Administered cognitive tests and brain scans (MRI) in 2010 to assess cognitive function and brain integrity.
Main Results:
- Higher 20-year LDL variability was associated with worse verbal memory in midlife.
- Increased 20-year HDL variability correlated with poorer processing speed and reduced brain integrity, including smaller total brain volume and lower fractional anisotropy.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for relevant covariates.
Conclusions:
- Elevated long-term lipid variability in adulthood is linked to diminished cognitive function and brain integrity in midlife.
- The findings suggest that maintaining stable lipid levels during young adulthood may be crucial for preserving cognitive and brain health later in life.
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