An unspoken epidemic: One in six Indians suffer from abnormal cholesterol levels

Hyderabad: Bad cholesterol or Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) has been identified as a risk factor for dementia, as per a recent Lancet study. A scary fact is that almost one in six Indians suffer from abnormal cholesterol levels, as per the study.

The major risk factors for dementia are modifiable and hence can be prevented through stress management, environmental adjustments, regular sleep, lifestyle changes, and control of sugar and cholesterol.

While some non-modifiable factors like age, gender, genetic, and ethnic factors are impossible to overcome, experts advise lifestyle changes from childhood, besides creating awareness about healthy diet to prevent dementia at advanced age.

Why is bad cholesterol dangerous?

LDL is called bad cholesterol. The high LDL levels can lead to the building up of cholesterols in the arteries. The excess cholesterol and other substances form a plaque, which on the other hand builds up in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

This results in the narrowing of the arteries, slowing down and blocking the flow of blood to the heart. The heart, in turn, will not receive sufficient oxygen, resulting in chest pain or heart attack.

The recent study by Lancet has further added another impact of the LDL, being designated as the risk factor for dementia, along with another factor, loss of vision.

Two more risk factors added

The standing Lancet commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care has added, bad cholesterol and loss of vision as the risk factors for dementia. With this, the number of risk factors has increased to 14, along with the 12 factors designated in 2022.

Dr. Lakshmi Lavanya, consultant neurologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad said, “Dyslipidemia (metabolic disorder due to abnormal lipoproteins in the blood) and uncorrected/unaddressed visual disturbances are added as risk factors for dementia this year”.

These two factors fall under the manageable risk factors for dementia, implying that such situations can be prevented.

45% risk factors preventable

The 12 other risk factors as per the Lancet Commission are poor education, sedentary lifestyle, poor quality of sleep, malnutrition, unhealthy diet, hearing loss, diabetes, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, social isolation, and air pollution.

Dementia is a neurological condition that results in a decline in mental function, and difficulty in thinking, remembering, and reasoning. It generally occurs in ages beyond 65, with a high prevalence among women.

“More than 45% of the risk factors can be prevented by adopting an active lifestyle, strict control of sugar and cholesterol, and lifestyle changes. All the modifiable factors can be identified early and treated with anti-lipid drugs, taking omega 3 rich foods and following a healthy lifestyle”, Dr Lakshmi Lavanya said.

Prevention from childhood essential

Even the manageable risk factors need early detection and treatment, while the experts suggest awareness at a young age to stay safe from dementia.

“The children must be checked for refractive errors frequently at lower ages and if required sufficient treatment should be given. They should be taught about healthy lifestyles and should be encouraged to play mind games including SuDoKu. Since there is no treatment for dementia to cure it, prevention remains the best possible option”, Dr Lakshmi Lavanya said.