Scientists have listed foods that increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease

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Every 100 seconds in Germany someone suffers from dementia. Many are afraid to forget in old age. But the disease affects not only the elderly for a long time. Researchers have found that high cholesterol levels may be especially dangerous for diseases at a young age.

Millions of people around the world suffer from dementia every year. Most of them are currently over 65 years old. In younger patients, the disease occurs much less often. However, according to the German Alzheimer Society, about 24,000 people under the age of 65 also suffer. A possible cause of the disease at a young age, in addition to genetic predisposition, could be a high level of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is known as a risk factor for other diseases

The authors examined blood and DNA samples from more than 2,000 people. They found that the risk of developing dementia before the age of 65 was particularly high for men and women with high cholesterol levels.

In particular, we are talking about so-called LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. This has a negative effect on the blood vessels and is therefore one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

According to previous studies

Research leader Thomas Wingo explains:

“It is necessary to find out whether there is a causal relationship”. The data can be interpreted that way, but the results are not clear.

Earlier studies have already shown that cholesterol is a risk factor for a much more common form of dementia in old age. The authors of the largest comparative study of Alzheimer's disease to date also advise against eating foods that raise cholesterol levels.

Especially harmful are butter, cheese and pork. Legumes, such as lentils or chickpeas, nuts or sunflower seeds, are considered to lower cholesterol and are good for the brain.