Dyslipidaemia

Alzheimer-type dementia - Dyslipidaemia Factor

There are minor differences in these definitions and you will need to check that the definition is met for the particular condition being investigated (see hotwords for the conditions and relevant definition).

General information about dyslipidaemia

Lipids are naturally occurring substances consisting of fatty acids.  The term dyslipidaemia describes the presence of abnormal lipid levels.  Hyperlipidaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia are forms of dyslipidaemia.

Signs and symptoms

Dyslipidaemia does not usually cause any symptoms although unsightly xanthomas (fatty fibrous changes in the skin associated with the formation of yellow or yellowish-brown plaques, nodules or tumours) are sometimes a feature of some lipid disorders.  However, the presence of dyslipidaemia as defined by the RMA can be established only by laboratory analysis of a blood sample (usually after fasting).

Establishing onset

Only a blood test can establish the onset of dyslipidaemia and the result of such a test would normally be recorded in doctors' notes and/or hospital records.  However, if these records have been destroyed or can no longer be obtained and there is a reliable history of dyslipidaemia at a particular time, this generally will be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence.  Obtain medical advice if it is unclear whether the claimed symptoms and treatment at that time can be attributed to dyslipidaemia rather than to some other condition.

Last reviewed for CCPS 16 September 2011.

Preliminary questions [41442]

36315 there is some evidence that dyslipidaemia may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

7927     the veteran has had dyslipidaemia at some time.

41536 the veteran had dyslipidaemia before the age of 65 years.

41474  the veteran has established the causal connection between the dyslipidaemia and VEA service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

41475   the veteran has established the causal connection between the dyslipidaemia and operational service for the clinical onset of Alzheimer-type dementia.

Clinical onset and operational service [41475]

41537 the veteran had dyslipidaemia before the age of 65 years, and at least 10 years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

25967  the dyslipidaemia is causally related to operational service.