August 27, 2025
495: Are You At Risk for Dementia? The Most Overlooked Cholesterol Marker You Need to Know with Dr. Thomas Dayspring
Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+About this episode
We have the second episode in a series of conversations with Dr. Thomas Dayspring today. The esteemed Dr. Dayspring is an expert on internal medicine and clinical lipidology. In this episode, we continue with our last conversation, diving into Lp(a) and the influences of gender, race, and menopause. We explain how estrogen is a PCSK9 inhibitor and explore the significance of brain health and risks for dementia. We tackle cholesterol synthesis and discuss the side effects of statins, clarifying who is most susceptible to their impact on the brain. We also examine the significance of the desmosterol biomarker, highlighting the level to aim for, especially when making decisions regarding cholesterol medications, and we answer one question from a listener. You may want to listen to this insightful conversation with the renowned Dr. Dayspring more than once. He has graciously agreed to return and film additional episodes, where we will dive into more questions from listeners. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why Lp(a) is like a wolf in sheep's clothing for many individuals How Lp(a) levels are higher in African Americans and women, especially after menopause Dr. Dayspring highlights that Lp(a) particles are even more pro-inflammatory than LDL particles How PCSK9 inhibitors are the only drugs that significantly reduce Lp(a) Why do women have a higher risk of dementia than men? Dr. Dayspring explains ApoE as the key lipoprotein for brain cholesterol transport. How statins cross the blood-brain barrier to lower brain cholesterol Why desmosterol levels matter New therapies that can lower ApoB and Lp(a) Why imaging is essential for menopausal women with elevated ApoB and Lp(a) Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X , Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com cynthiathurlow.com/lipids Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring On X (@Drlipid) On LinkedIn Journal Article: Atherosclerosis: Non-genetic influences on lipoprotein(a) concentrations Journal of the American Heart Association: Trajectories of Blood Lipid Profiles in Midlife Women: Does Menopause Matter?