Role of cholesterol in cognitive function in the elderly

Abstract

The role of cholesterol in Cognitive Decline is less known as compared to other pathologies linked with dyslipidaemia. However, Cholesterol is well-known to have multiple functions in normal functioning of the brain and the aging process. This study therefore aimed at finding a co-relation, if any, between Cholesterol and age-related cognitive decline.To assess Cognitive Function of subjects and compare it with respective blood cholesterol levels. The study included 50 elderly subjects from Maharashtra (females: 12%) assessed using Marathi version of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and their cholesterol blood concentrations obtained using a Lipid Profile investigation. Cholesterol levels and cognitive function was then co-related using statistical analysis.The subjects with a higher Total Cholesterol & LDL Cholesterol had slightly less scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) Test. However, the difference was found to be significant.Based on the results obtained, no relevant co-relation could be found between Blood Cholesterol Levels and Cognitive Function