Fresh Fruit (photo by Jeltovski, courtesy of morguefile.com)

The Chicago Sun-Times has reported on a study undertaken at the University of Kuopio in Finland where researchers have found that people who have high cholesterol while in their 40s are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their 70s.

The Sun-Times article quotes Dr. Alina Solomon, the author of the study as saying, "High mid-life cholesterol increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease regardless of mid-life diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and late-life stroke."

There has been an emerging body of evidence that what is good for keeping a healthy heart is also good for keeping a healthy mind and avoiding dementia. In both pursuits, people who maintain a sensible, low-fat diet and engage in rigorous physical activity are those most likely to stay physically healthy and mentally sharp as they age.

In less than startling news, the researchers at the University of Kuopio found that heavy drinking and smoking also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

If you’d like to read the article in the Chicago Sun-Times cited above go to: Study: Cholesterol raises Alzheimer's risk