### High Levels of HDL Cholesterol and Dementia Risk Recent research suggests that people with unusually high levels of HDL, often called “good cholesterol,” may have a higher risk of developing dementia. A study conducted by Monash University in Australia found that very high HDL cholesterol levels, defined as greater than 80 mg/dL, were linked to a 27% increased risk of dementia over an average follow-up period of 6.3 years. This risk was even higher, at 42%, for people aged 75 years or older. The study included over 18,000 participants aged 65 and older, making it one of the largest to explore the relationship between HDL cholesterol and dementia. Participants did not have heart disease or dementia at the start of the study and were screened for physical disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, or existing cognitive problems. While HDL cholesterol is known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, the findings suggest that very high levels might be associated with metabolic issues like diabetes, rather than diet. This raises questions about the role of very high HDL cholesterol in brain health and suggests that it could be useful to include these levels in dementia risk prediction algorithms. Dementia encompasses a range of cognitive problems, including memory loss, language difficulties, and impaired problem-solving abilities, which can significantly interfere with daily life. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5.8 million people in the U.S. have dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of very high HDL cholesterol levels on brain health.