The latest research on dementia gives new meaning to the phrase “food for thought.” A study released yesterday indicates that individuals with even borderline to moderately high cholesterol levels in their 40s have a much greater chance of developing dementia later in life.

Researchers tracked nearly 10,000 people for four decades, starting when the participants were between 40 and 45. After controlling for weight, hypertension and diabetes, researchers discovered a significant link between borderline-high cholesterol and dementia, according to the study.Participants who had high cholesterol (240 or more) had a 66 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. People with borderline-high cholesterol (200-239) had a 25 percent spike in risk.

Although previous studies have linked heart and brain health, researchers said this study is the first to examine the association between borderline cholesterol levels and dementia. And although dementia does not typically strike until later in life, “it’s a disease of a lifetime,” said Rachel Whitmer, Ph.D., a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente and senior author of the study. “We need to think about it like we do for cardiovascular disease.”

Experts agree that a three-pronged approach of daily exercise, stress reduction and nutrition can naturally lower levels. A diet rich in olive oil, nuts, whole grains, fiber, fresh fruit, vegetables and a limited amount of red meat is best, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“Our study shows that even moderately high cholesterol levels in your 40s puts people at greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia decades later,” said Whitmer. “Considering that nearly 100 million Americans have either high or borderline cholesterol levels, this is a disturbing finding. The good news here is that what is good for the heart is also good for the mind, and this is an early risk factor for dementia that can be modified and managed by lowering cholesterol through healthy lifestyle changes.”

The study appears in the journal Dementia & Geriatric Cognitive Disorders.