What's the Connection Between Statins and Dementia?
Statins are a type of medication taken to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They prevent an enzyme called hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Benefits of statins
Benefits include lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and preventing plaque buildup in your arteries. These medications include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor), among others.
In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that statin use could rarely cause memory loss or confusion. The FDA later updated the findings that this cognitive decline was not significant.
A growing body of research suggests statins may have a protective effect against dementia. A review of 31 studies published in 2018 supports the idea that statins can help prevent the risk of dementia. The researchers found that taking statins for 1 year decreased dementia risk by about 20%, while an average daily 5-milligram (mg) dose was associated with an 11% decrease in dementia risk.
The researchers noted that because high cholesterol is a risk factor for dementia, lowering it could have positive effects on the brain.
According to a 2020 review, statins may help short- and long-term delay of dementia progression in people over 65 years old with the condition, although the researchers noted that their findings were insufficient to make a definitive statement.
Studies in 2021 and 2023 also pointed in the direction of statins having a protective effect against dementia, though the results were not conclusive.
Research discrepancies
Researchers in a 2022 study pointed out that discrepancies among studies is possibly related to smaller sample sizes and biases in the research methods, as well as wide ranges in the ages of participants, and co-existing conditions. Additionally, these researchers pointed out that different types of statins have different cognitive effects.
Most scientists and medical professionals agree that more research is needed on the cognitive effects of statins, and there are studies in progress.
If you have high cholesterol, it's important to get advice from a medical professional. High cholesterol is a risk factor for diseases that can affect your independence and life span, such as:
heart disease
dementia
stroke
heart attack
While some people can experience improvement with lifestyle modifications, many who have high cholesterol need to take cholesterol-lowering medication. You and your doctor can discuss a plan that's individualized for you.
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