Cholesterol
Category : Pathophysiology
Simplified definition
A type of fat produced by brain glial cells that is essential for the good functioning of neurons and the creation of connections between them.
Source: Houria Aiouaz, for Alzheimer Foundation
Referenced definition
“A steroid alcohol C27H45OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids, regulates membrane fluidity, and functions as a precursor molecule in various metabolic pathways and as a constituent of LDL may cause atherosclerosis. [sic]”
Source: Merriam-Webster. Cholesterol. [Internet]. [cited on Sept 7, 2022].
Context
“[…] Cholesterol is essential for synapse formation and maturation and plays an important role in the regulation of signal transduction through its function as a component of the cell membrane.”
Source: J Alzheimers Dis . 2012;30 Suppl 2:S147-62. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-111028.
Note
- Cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream to the organs that need it by proteins, such as apolipoprotein E.
- High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.