Higher Levels of Circulating Good Cholesterol Are Associated with Higher Cerebral Myelination

Motivation: Understanding high density lipoprotein (HDL)'s role in cerebral myelination can inform new strategies for preventing neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing cognitive function and promoting healthier brain aging. Goal(s): To investigate the relationship between HDL levels and cerebral myelination. Approach: We performed a linear regression analysis to correlate HDL measurements with myelin water fraction (MWF) values measured using multicomponent MRI relaxometry. Results: Across brain regions involved in higher order cognitive functions, there were significant correlations between higher HDL levels and higher myelin content. Impact: Higher HDL levels correlate with higher levels of cerebral myelination, confirming HDL's neuroprotective effects. This work motivates further investigations aiming to establish innovative approaches for preventing neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing cognitive function and promoting healthier brain aging.