Science

Rebecca West, M.A.1, Michal Schnaider Beeri, Ph.D.1, James Schmeidler, Ph.D.1, Christine M. Hannigan, B.S.1, Gary Angelo, M.S.1, Hillel T. Grossman, M.D.1,2, Clive Rosendorff, M.D., Ph.D.1,2, and Jeremy M. Silverman, Ph.D.

Objective—
To examine the association of cholesterol with cognitive functioning in oldest old community dwelling individuals with and without the APOE4 allele.
Method—
185 non-demented community dwelling individuals (≥ 85) were assessed with a broad neuropsychological battery. Bloods were drawn to assess total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, as well as for APOE genotyping.
Results—
In contrast to our expectations, high total cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol were associated with higher memory scores for non-carriers of the APOE4 allele. No significant associations between cognitive performance and lipid profile were found for carriers of the APOE4 allele.
Conclusions—
In oldest old non-demented non-carriers of the APOE4 allele, high cholesterol is associated with better memory function. Further examination of the role of APOE genotype on the association between cholesterol and cognitive performance, especially in the oldest old, is warranted.