It’s common knowledge that eating healthy can help to prolong your life. However, your quality of life should also top the priority list. To live a long and productive life, you need to maintain the health of your brain.
There are several habits that can lower our risk of dementia. The key to keeping all parts of the body functioning their best is to be aware of good and bad cholesterol levels. Bad cholesterol can impact how well the brain functions.
What Is Bad Cholesterol?
Bad cholesterol, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein), is a combination of fat and protein. Fat (lipids) is required so that the proteins can move through the blood. Having too much LDL cholesterol in the body can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the body which can result in a myriad of health conditions.
A diet heavy in saturated fat creates too much bad cholesterol in your body. Foods high in saturated fats include beef, processed meats, and fried foods.
Bad Cholesterol and the Risk of Dementia
A recent study has suggested that individuals with a high level of LDLs in the bloodstream have a higher risk of developing dementia and other cognitive disorders. Along with high levels of LDLs, those with low levels of good cholesterol, or HDL (high-density lipoprotein), could also be at risk of developing dementia.
Lower Your Risk of Dementia
Since studies suggest an increased risk of dementia for those with high LDL cholesterol levels, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and monitor your cholesterol levels. Scheduling periodic visits with your primary healthcare physician, who can test for high cholesterol, should be a part of your annual checkups.
