Perhaps a little explanation might clarify some confusion about cholesterol and dementia. First off, dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses several types of diseases that lead to neurocognitive decline. The 2 most common are Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia. Although the outcome is quite similar, the mechanism of disease is very different. Whereas Alzheimer's involves the deposition of "amyloid-beta" plaques and tangles in the brain, vascular dementia stems from the blood supply to parts of the brain being choked off by "clogged" or damaged blood vessels. They can also co-exist.

Cholesterol particles exist in several forms in our bodies. Some of these particles promote the deposition of "plaque" inside the blood vessels and "clog" them up (low-density lipoprotein or LDL, very low-dendity lipoprotein or VLDL, etc). Some particles do the exact opposite and are protective (high density lipoprotein or HDL).

Generally, when people refer to their "cholesterol levels", they mostly talk about the "bad" cholesterol. It is this type of cholesterol that is lowered (diet, supplements, medication) in the hopes of slowing down the progression of cognitive decline in those who suffer from vascular dementia.

However, a LOW "good" cholesterol can also have implications regarding an increased risk of premature vascular or blood vessel disease. So doing things to increase your "good" cholesterol, if it is indeed low, makes sense. Regular exercise is one of several ways. Unfortunately, eating more bacon, as you proposed, just won't cut it!

Bottom line, find out which cholesterol particle is LOW. If it's the "bad" kind, then thank your parents for passing on good genes. If it's the "good" kind, then find ways to stay aerobically active among other things.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Canadoc