Original scientific paper

Association of high and low density serum cholesterol, cognitive performance and emotional well-being in menopausal women

Katalin Károssy ; Department of Psychology, University of Pécs

Abstract

Decline in cognitive performance and changes in metabolism are characteristics of aging. The increased level of LDL in serum is associated with a higher risk to atherosclerosis that causes minor and major decline in cognitive functioning. On the other hand, HDL levels are associated with better preserved cognitive functioning in older age. The aim of the present study is to assess the association between levels of total serum cholesterol (TC), LDL, and HDL, as well as perceptual-motor, verbal, visuospatial and executive cognitive functions, and perception of menopausal state of health of menopausal women. A sample of 52 postmenopausal women was recruited from an outpatient gynecology clinic. The following measures and parameters were used: analysis of serum total LDL, and HDL cholesterol; standard neuropsychological testing of cognitive performance in perceptual- motor, verbal, visuospatial and executive domains, assessment of the perception of menopausal state of health. The results showed that perceptual motor speed was the highest at medium TC level. Higher TC and LDL levels were related to the reduction of verbal memory performance. The higher level of HDL was associated with increased working memory performance. Women with lower level of TC and LDL reported more health complaints occurring in menopause, while the highest level of HDL was related to the best perception of somatic state. These data demonstrate that verbal memory decline is associated with elevated levels of TC and LDL, and support the protective effects of increased plasma HDL in maintaining cognitive functions.

Keywords

serum cholesterol, LDL; HDL; cognitive performance; emotional well being; menopause

Hrčak ID:

20754

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/20754

Publication date:

10.11.2007.

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