Besides staving off heart disease and premature death, do you need another reason to cut your cholesterol levels? Here's one: High and borderline high levels of cholesterol in midlife significantly increase your risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia later in life.

Did you know that half a million Canadians have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia -- and 72 per cent of them are women? You can cut your cholesterol by:
-cutting your fat intake
-choosing healthier fats such as those found in nuts and fish
-limiting red meat and high-fat dairy products
-eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
-quitting smoking and;
-exercising regularly.

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