Sex Differences in Lipid Profile and Its Relationship with Cognitive Ability among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Baseline Results from the Tiruvalla Interventional Study in Ageing Trial

Background: Cognitive decline, ranging from mild impairment to severe dementia, impacts daily life. Understanding factors affecting cognitive function is crucial for planning preventive strategies. Prior studies on the relationship between lipid profiles and cognition have reported inconsistent findings. Using baseline cross-sectional data from the Tiruvalla Interventional Study in Ageing (TINAGE) trial, we examined the association between serum lipid levels and cognitive ability and explored possible sex differences. Materials and Methods: Participants aged 60–75 years with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were recruited into the TINAGE trial. This analysis is based on cross-sectional data. Neuropsychological evaluations and biochemical assessments were conducted during home visits. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between lipid levels and cognitive scores. Results: Among 420 older adults with MCI, dyslipidemia was common. Women had lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels compared to men. Regression analysis suggested weak associations between lipid levels and cognitive scores; in men, higher total cholesterol showed a modest positive association, while higher HDL showed a negative association with cognitive scores. However, effect sizes were small. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional analysis, lipid levels showed limited associations with cognition. Further longitudinal analysis from the TINAGE trial may clarify temporal and causal relationships.