A recent study conducted on 3,000 British subjects, revealed that the memory loss with age is linked with decreased level of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholestrol.

The subjects were asked to memorize 20 words and it was found that at age 55, the subjects with low HDL level (40mg/dL), showed a 27 percent increased risk of memory loss as compared to those with high HDL (60mg/dL).

The risk was even higher in the subjects who were tested again at age 60.

According to Dr. Tim Johnson, " Good Cholestrol, HDL, can decrease the risk of heart attack and strokes, improve the connection between nerves in the brain and may help control the formation of beta analoids, which is a major component of the plague found in Alzheimer's patients."

HDL levels can be incerased by taking Statin drugs, exercising regulargly, losing weight, not smoking, drinking alcohol in modest amounts, cutting down on trans and saturated fats, consuming olive, canola and peanut oils and drinking cranberry juice.  

Among these measures, regular and low intensity exercise is the most important tactic to increase the HDL levels.