Older individuals with higher triglyceride levels, a common type of fat in the blood, may experience a decreased risk of dementia and a reduced rate of cognitive decline compared to those with lower levels, according to recent research. While the study, recently published inTriglycerides are fatty acids and are the most common type of fat in the blood. Triglycerides contribute up to 95% of dietary fats, which are the main energy source of the brain.
Researchers looked at participants’ measurements of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol each year of the study. The lowest triglyceride group had levels of less than 62 mg/dL. The second group had levels of 63 to 106 mg/dL. Compared to the lowest group, the second group was 15% less likely to develop dementia. The third group had levels of 107 to 186 mg/dL. Compared to the lowest group, they were 24% less likely to develop dementia. The fourth group had levels of 187 mg/dL or higher. Compared to the lowest group, they were 36% less likely to develop dementia.