Significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without changes in medication may indicate that older adults have a higher risk for cognitive decline or dementia, according to preliminary data to be presented at an American Heart Association meeting starting later this week in Chicago.

Older adults whose cholesterol levels fluctuate from year to year may face an increased risk for dementia and cognitive decline compared to people whose cholesterol levels remain more stable, new research finds.

For older adults watching their cholesterol, maintaining steady levels might be just as important as keeping them low, according to new research. A preliminary study set to be presented at this year’s American Heart Association Scientific Sessions reveals that significant year-to-year swings in cholesterol levels could be an early warning sign of impending cognitive decline or dementia.

Older people whose cholesterol readings show big changes from one year to the next may be at an increased risk of cognitive problems as they age, including dementia.