Our body converts cholesterol into bile acids to break down fatty foods and absorb lipids (fat) by our intestines. According to a recent study, the disturbances in this process may play an important role in the development of dementia.

To come to this conclusion, the researchers tested whether cholesterol drugs that block bile acid absorption into the blood, are linked to an increased risk of dementia. They also examined autopsy samples to see whether people with Alzheimer’s disease tend to have altered levels of bile acids in their brains.

The researchers found that men, who used bile acid blocking drugs, had an increased risk of dementia, but not women.

These findings will be used further in experimental studies to test whether improving brain acid signaling in the brain can contribute to prevention of dementia.

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