Triglyceride levels and risk of dementia in the elderly

The results of a large cohort study on the association between triglyceride (TG) concentration and the risk of dementia have been published in the journal Neurology.

The association of TG levels with the development of dementia was assessed by multivariate analysis, taking into account other risk factors for dementia as well as parameters affecting TG levels. It was shown that higher TG levels were associated with a lower risk of dementia. Higher triglyceride concentrations were associated with a lower rate of decline in separately assessed cognitive functions, such as memory.

Older adults with higher triglyceride levels within the normal to high range had a lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline over time compared to those with lower triglyceride levels. Higher triglyceride levels may indicate better general health and/or lifestyle habits that protect against the development of dementia. Future research is needed to examine whether specific components in the total circulating pool of plasma triglycerides may contribute to improved cognitive function, allowing for the development of new preventive strategies.