Causal cardiovascular risk factors for dementia - insights from observational and genetic studies.

The escalating prevalence of dementia worldwide necessitates preventive strategies to mitigate its extensive health, psychological, and social impacts. As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise, gaining insights into its risk factors and causes become paramount, given the absence of a definitive cure. Cardiovascular disease has emerged as a prominent player in the complex landscape of dementia.

HDL cholesterol concentrations and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - Insights from randomized clinical trials and human genetics.

Through seven decades the inverse association between HDL cholesterol concentrations and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been observed in case-control and prospective cohort studies. This robust inverse association fuelled the enthusiasm towards development of HDL cholesterol increasing drugs, exemplified by the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor trials and the extended-release niacin HPS2-THRIVE trial. These HDL cholesterol increasing trials were launched without conclusive evidence from human genetics, and despite discrepant species dependent evidence from animal studies.