According to a recent study, it can. It even seems to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found that specialized glial cells, called astrocytes, fire up the progression of Alzheimer’s by making and distributing cholesterol to the brain cells. This extra cholesterol buildup increases amyloid-beta protein production and therefore facilitate the plaque accumulation, which is one of the main features of Alzheimer’s.

Further, the study showed that blocking this cholesterol production had led to decreased amyloid-beta protein buildup in mouse model. Of course, these results still have to be replicated on people with Alzheimer’s. However, the researchers are enthousiast about the found possible new player in the plaque formation. They believe that if they could find a way to stop astrocytes from over-producing cholesterol, they might make a great contribution to the prevention of Alzheimer’s.

Curious? HERE is the source