New research questions belief in low cholesterol levels

JOE GRAEDON and TERESA GRAEDON / The Peoples Pharmacy
Monday, February 5, 2007

Q: What is considered low when it comes to cholesterol? My levels were always low, but now they are back down to 120, just like they were in my mid-20s. I am almost 49. The highest it has been is 142.

I am very forgetful, especially now with customers' names. I don't sleep well and have never been a great communicator because I have trouble remembering all the facts and have trouble finding the right words (usually technical or specific ones, like the name of a place). Is this related to my cholesterol?


A: Many doctors believe that cholesterol can never be too low. New research throws that concept into question.

The importance of cholesterol in neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease is controversial.

A recent study in the Archives of Neurology (January 2007) concluded: "A decline in serum total cholesterol levels may be associated with early stages in the development of dementia." Another study (Movement Disorders online, Dec. 18, 2006) has linked low LDL cholesterol with a higher occurrence of Parkinson's disease.

You might want to discuss your lab results with your doctor in light of the new research.

We can't say whether your memory problems are related to your low cholesterol, but we can't rule it out, either.


http://www.courierpress.com/news/2007/feb/05/new-research-questions-belief-in...