Role of Cholesterol in Formation of Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract : Amyloid plaques are one of the key reasons in progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being one of the leading causes of dementia. Recent studies have shown evidence to the levels of cholesterol playing an important role in the formation of amyloid plaque. This work aims to analyse the effect of cholesterol levels in increasing amyloid plaques accumulation in the brain, how it can influence breakdown of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and how specific foods and diet can affect it formation of amyloid plaques. The research findings indicate that high levels cholesterol directly influences enzyme activity and clearance mechanisms in the brain. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, transports cholesterol to various tissues and has been found to influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease across different age groups. Managing cholesterol levels before the age of sixty-five may help reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.