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Good cholesterol helps memory

So-called "good" cholesterol, known by its initials as HDL-C, plays an important role in maintaining memory in later life, according to a study published Monday.

A French-led team looked at cholesterol levels and memory deficit among 3 673 male and female civil servants, who were assessed when they reached the age of 55 and again when they reached 61.

Low levels of HDL-C (40 milligram's per decilitre or less) were associated with a greater risks of a memory gap in both assessments, when compared with high levels (60 mg/dL or more) of this lipo-protein.

How the test was done
The test comprised the ability to recall the maximum number of words in a 20-word list. "HDL-C levels are potentially modifiable, and our results show that low HDL-C is associated with poor memory and decline in memory in middle-aged adults," the study said.

The paper appears in the US journal Ateriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, published by the American Heart Association.

Lead author is Archana Singh-Manoux of the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM).

Cholesterol is notoriously implicated in cardiovascular disease, notably when there are high levels of "bad" cholesterol, or LDL-C, compared with levels of HDL-C. – (Sapa)

July 2008

Read more:
Revealed: benefits of cholesterol
High 'good' cholesterol may be bad

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