A recent study in the Netherlands has found an association between low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) and cognitive impairment, including dementia. Although additional research is needed to confirm these findings, they seem to suggest yet another reason to have your cholesterol, especially HDL, checked regularly.

The study measured the levels of HDL as well as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides in 561 patients 85 years of age and older. Statistically significant differences were found in mental ability such that patients with lower concentrations of HDL in their blood had poorer scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination than did those with higher levels of HDL. This association was strongest among those patients who did not have evidence of heart disease or stroke. Patients with the lowest levels of HDL were four times as likely to have dementia as those with the highest levels of HDL. There did not appear to be a difference in mental ability based on LDL or triglycerides levels, however.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults maintain HDL cholesterol levels between 40 and 50 (men) or between 50 and 60 (women) milligrams per deciliter. In the new study, patients in the group with the lowest levels of HDL had concentrations around 35.9 milligrams per deciliter while those in the group with the highest levels had values around 63.7 milligrams per deciliter. The AHA recommends three steps to maintaining a healthy concentration of HDL: not smoking, keeping at a healthy weight, and exercising.