Einstein Neurologist Finds That Not Enough 'Good' Cholesterol Makes Stroke Recovery More Difficult
Philadelphia, November 29, 2007 – People with low levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) are at increased risk of memory problems and greater
disability after stroke. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid acquired mainly from eating meat, also boosts post-stroke
disability. These were the findings from a study published in the November 27, 2007 issue of Neurology, the medical journal
of the American Academy of Neurology.
“These results show that metabolic stress -- a unique type of inflammation that affects the inner lining of blood vessels
plays a role in memory and disability problems after stroke,” says lead study author George C. Newman, MD, PhD, chair of Neurosensory Sciences at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
The study involved 3,680 men and women over age 35 in the United States, Canada, and Scotland who had suffered a mild to moderate
stroke within the past three months. The participants underwent cognitive and disability tests and were followed for two years.
Researchers identified several factors which predicted memory and disability problems following stroke: increased age, non-Caucasian
race, recurrent stroke, diabetes, stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain, higher levels of homocysteine and lower levels
of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol.
“People with low levels of HDL, high levels of homocysteine, and diabetes are twice as likely as those without such problems
to have poorer cognitive function and greater disability after stroke,” says Newman. “The study also found stroke recovery
was the most difficult for people over the age of 57 with high levels of homocysteine, which is a risk factor for heart problems
and associated with low levels of vitamin B6, B12, folic acid and kidney disease.”
Dr. Newman says it’s unclear why these factors are contributing to a slower stroke recovery and more research is needed. “We
need to focus our attention on identifying and treating these vascular risk factors since they can be modified.”
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
About Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network is a 1,200 bed integrated delivery network serving the communities of North Philadelphia
and Montgomery County, PA. A founding member of the Jefferson Health System, Einstein combines the best of academic medicine
and community service, employing nearly 7,000 people, and offering training programs for physician residents and fellows,
nurses and other health professionals. The Network provides healthcare services through the Albert Einstein Medical Center
and Einstein at Elkins Park hospitals, its MossRehab and Belmont Behavioral Health divisions, Germantown Community Health
Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), outpatient facilities such as Center
One and Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare, network of primary care and specialist practices throughout the community. For more
information, visit www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.
CONTACT: Judy Horwitz
Communications Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215/456-6767 horwitzj@einstein.edu
Publish date: November 29, 2007
