Latest news with #HallymUniversityCollegeofMedicine
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Statins Could Reduce Dementia Risk Even in People With Low Cholesterol
A new study has found a link between 'bad' cholesterol and the risk of dementia. It suggests that common cholesterol-lowering medicines, like statins, can help protect brain health as we age, even in those with low cholesterol already. The new findings from researchers in Korea contribute to a controversial line of research, mostly based on observational studies. In the past, scientific investigations of dementia risk and levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have produced inconsistent results, and there is a need for rigorous, randomized controlled trials to clear up the confusion. The current study is also observational, but its "robust" and "diverse" data support the 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, which highlighted cholesterol as a possible risk factor. Led by neurophysiologist Minwoo Lee from Hallym University College of Medicine in Korea, the new study suggests that LDL-C levels are "directly associated with reduced dementia incidence, supporting cholesterol management as fundamental in preventing dementia." The research retrospectively analyzed health data from 11 university hospitals in Korea, encompassing more than half a million individuals. Those with LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL showed a 26 percent decreased risk of all-cause dementia and a 28 percent decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, compared to those with LDL-C levels above 130mg/dL. This was true regardless of whether participants were taking statins or not. But when researchers looked at those taking cholesterol-lowering meds specifically, they found an intriguing correlation. Statin use was associated with a 13 percent reduction in all-cause dementia and a 12 percent reduction in Alzheimer's risk compared to those who did not use the medicine. And this was true both for people who had high LDL-C levels and those who had low levels. This indicates "a complex relationship between lipid levels and statin therapy in cognitive health," write the team of researchers, who hail from various clinics, hospitals, and universities in Korea. While the study suggests cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL may be protective to brain health, the use of statins may also improve dementia outcomes, even if a lower threshold of 'bad' cholesterol is not reached, or even if a person has low cholesterol already. The results agree with some previous analyses but stand in contrast to other observational studies, like one published in 2023, which found that both low and high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with elevated dementia risk. In fact, some observational studies have even found that cholesterol-lowering statins may increase the risk of dementia in those who already show cognitive decline. The take-home message here is not clear-cut, and while the current research from Korea adds much-needed data to the conversation, the authors say we need specific, randomized controlled trials to dig further. Scientists also need to figure out how LDL cholesterol might be driving dementia in the brain at a molecular level. An important gene that drives the risk of dementia, for instance, also carries cholesterol to the brain. Neurophysiologist Francesco Tamagnini is studying the idea that damage to the blood-brain barrier can lead to an accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the brain, possibly causing amyloid beta proteins to cluster into plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Tamagnini was not involved in the current research, but he says "there is clearly more to the story of Alzheimer's than we first thought." "The results give a convincing argument for researchers to consider LDL cholesterol in addition to the classic approaches," he writes in an independent review. Julia Dudley is head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, and she notes in another independent review that "dementia risk is complex and influenced by many factors. Without a detailed picture of what's going on in the brain we do not know if there is a direct link between lower cholesterol and reduced dementia risk." "In the meantime," she adds, "keeping our hearts healthy remains one of the most effective ways we can protect our brain health. If you have any concerns about your cholesterol levels, you should speak to your GP." The study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Review of Thousands of Studies Confirms Best Way to Keep Memory Sharp Shock Link Found Between Marriage And Risk of Developing Dementia Cutting Back on One Amino Acid Increased Lifespan in Middle-Aged Mice Up to 33%
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UK's most commonly prescribed drug cuts risk of dementia, study suggests
A common drug prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels has been found to cut dementia risk. High cholesterol has long been linked to general poor health, but a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry revealed it may also increase the risk of dementia. It found people with lower levels of 'bad cholesterol' in their blood are less likely to develop the memory robbing condition. The study suggested that cholesterol-lowering statins, the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK, also offered a boost in protection against dementia. Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance found in the blood. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) also known as 'bad cholesterol' can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke if they are too high. But exercising and eating healthily can bring these levels down. Drugs called statins, which are given to around 8 million Britons, are also prescribed to those with high cholesterol if lifestyle changes are not enough, helping to prevent cardiovascular event. However, researchers from Hallym University College of Medicine in South Korea claimed the drug could also protect against dementia. The scientists analysed data collected by 11 university hospitals which followed adults for 180 days after they got their cholesterol levels tested and observed whether the patients went on to develop dementia in the study period. Researchers identified 192,213 people with LDL levels less than 1.8 mmol/L and 379,006 patients with LDL levels more than 3.4 mmol/L. Those with lower LDL levels were 26 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared with those who had higher cholesterol levels. These patients were also 28 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. However, if LDL levels dropped below 1.4 mmol/L, participants only had an 18 per cent lower risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer's. Plus, when LDL levels dipped below 0.8 mmol/L, the protective effect disappeared entirely. Researchers found the drug statins did boost protection against dementia, even when participants LDL levels were already on the lower side. For those below 1.8 mmol/L, dementia risk was reduced by 13 per cent and Alzheimer' by 12 per cent in comparison to those who did not take statins. Dr Julia Dudley, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK says: 'High levels of LDL cholesterol were identified as a risk factor for dementia in last year's Lancet Commission on dementia prevention.' 'The use of statins seemed to offer a protective effect – even in those who already had cholesterol levels within a lower range,' she added. 'However, dementia risk is complex and influenced by many factors. Without a detailed picture of what's going on in the brain we do not know if there is a direct link between lower cholesterol and reduced dementia risk.' Researchers explained that because it was an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The authors concluded: 'Low LDL-C levels (<70 mg/dL (<1.8 mmol/L)) are significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease related dementia, with statin therapy providing additional protective effects.'
The Independent
05-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
UK's most commonly prescribed drug cuts risk of dementia, study suggests
A common drug prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels has been found to cut dementia risk. High cholesterol has long been linked to general poor health, but a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry revealed it may also increase the risk of dementia. It found people with lower levels of 'bad cholesterol' in their blood are less likely to develop the memory robbing condition. The study suggested that cholesterol-lowering statins, the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK, also offered a boost in protection against dementia. Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance found in the blood. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) also known as 'bad cholesterol' can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke if they are too high. But exercising and eating healthily can bring these levels down. Drugs called statins, which are given to around 8 million Britons, are also prescribed to those with high cholesterol if lifestyle changes are not enough, helping to prevent cardiovascular event. However, researchers from Hallym University College of Medicine in South Korea claimed the drug could also protect against dementia. The scientists analysed data collected by 11 university hospitals which followed adults for 180 days after they got their cholesterol levels tested and observed whether the patients went on to develop dementia in the study period. Researchers identified 192,213 people with LDL levels less than 1.8 mmol/L and 379,006 patients with LDL levels more than 3.4 mmol/L. Those with lower LDL levels were 26 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared with those who had higher cholesterol levels. These patients were also 28 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. However, if LDL levels dropped below 1.4 mmol/L, participants only had an 18 per cent lower risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer's. Plus, when LDL levels dipped below 0.8 mmol/L, the protective effect disappeared entirely. Researchers found the drug statins did boost protection against dementia, even when participants LDL levels were already on the lower side. For those below 1.8 mmol/L, dementia risk was reduced by 13 per cent and Alzheimer' by 12 per cent in comparison to those who did not take statins. Dr Julia Dudley, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK says: 'High levels of LDL cholesterol were identified as a risk factor for dementia in last year's Lancet Commission on dementia prevention.' 'The use of statins seemed to offer a protective effect – even in those who already had cholesterol levels within a lower range,' she added. 'However, dementia risk is complex and influenced by many factors. Without a detailed picture of what's going on in the brain we do not know if there is a direct link between lower cholesterol and reduced dementia risk.' Researchers explained that because it was an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The authors concluded: 'Low LDL-C levels (<70 mg/dL (<1.8 mmol/L)) are significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease related dementia, with statin therapy providing additional protective effects.'
The Independent
02-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
UK's most commonly prescribed drug cuts dementia risk by 13%, study suggests
A common drug prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels has been found to cut dementia risk. High cholesterol has long been linked to general poor health, but a recent study published in the Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry revealed it may also increase the risk of dementia. It found people with lower levels of 'bad cholesterol' in their blood are less likely to develop the memory robbing condition. The study suggested that cholesterol-lowering statins, the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK, also offered a boost in protection against dementia. Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance found in the blood. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) also known as 'bad cholesterol' can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke if they are too high. But exercising and eating healthily can bring these levels down. Drugs called statins, which are given to around 8 million Britons, are also prescribed to those with high cholesterol if lifestyle changes are not enough, helping to prevent cardiovascular event. However, researchers from Hallym University College of Medicine in South Korea claimed the drug could also protect against dementia. The scientists analysed data collected by 11 university hospitals which followed adults for 180 days after they got their cholesterol levels tested and observed whether the patients went on to develop dementia in the study period. Researchers identified 192,213 people with LDL levels less than 1.8 mmol/L and 379,006 patients with LDL levels more than 3.4 mmol/L. Those with lower LDL levels were 26 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared with those who had higher cholesterol levels. These patients were also 28 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. However, if LDL levels dropped below 1.4 mmol/L, participants only had an 18 per cent lower risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer's. Plus, when LDL levels dipped below 0.8 mmol/L, the protective effect disappeared entirely. Researchers found the drug statins did boost protection against dementia, even when participants LDL levels were already on the lower side. For those below 1.8 mmol/L, dementia risk was reduced by 13 per cent and Alzheimer' by 12 per cent in comparison to those who did not take statins. Dr Julia Dudley, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK says: 'High levels of LDL cholesterol were identified as a risk factor for dementia in last year's Lancet Commission on dementia prevention.' 'The use of statins seemed to offer a protective effect – even in those who already had cholesterol levels within a lower range,' she added. 'However, dementia risk is complex and influenced by many factors. Without a detailed picture of what's going on in the brain we do not know if there is a direct link between lower cholesterol and reduced dementia risk.' Researchers explained that because it was an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The authors concluded: 'Low LDL-C levels (<70 mg/dL (<1.8 mmol/L)) are significantly associated with a reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease related dementia, with statin therapy providing additional protective effects.'
