Cause 6. High Cholesterol – An Unseen Contributor to Vascular Dementia
Another underlying contributor to vascular dementia is high cholesterol, particularly high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol.’ Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can lead to the formation of plaques within the blood vessels, creating obstructions that can restrict blood flow. When such impediments occur in the brain’s blood vessels, the subsequent reduced supply of crucial nutrients and oxygen to brain cells can result in their death, leading to cognitive decline and vascular dementia.
Moreover, high cholesterol contributes to other health conditions linked to vascular dementia, including heart disease and stroke. It can induce atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious health events like heart attacks and strokes, both of which can precipitate vascular dementia. (6)
