But other factors, including small strokes, diabetes, depression, overmedication and even the lack of certain vitamins, could be the underlying cause of the dementia. Researchers are beginning to develop and test new drugs that may help postpone the development of Alzheimer's disease, at least for a while, Rosenberg said. He said paying attention to the signals of Alzheimer's could add years of healthy, full-functioning living. It is recommended that screenings of total cholesterol begin at age 20 and should be rechecked at least once every five years. Autopsies of young adults and teens have found that some atherosclerosis is already present.
Cholesterol naturally rises with age.
You should be re-evaluated in one to two years. Prescriptions for cholesterol-lowering drugs is reserved for those who also have significant other risk factors for heart disease such as a family history, smoking, high blood pressure or obesity.