Researchers tracking more than 132,000 Danish individuals between 2006 and 2021 found that statin use was associated with reduced dementia risk. Those who initiated statin therapy during the study period showed a 10% lower likelihood of developing dementia compared to non-users, while those who began treatment early demonstrated a 15% reduction in risk. The findings showed similar patterns across both women and men.
The research was presented at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress and published in the Lancet Regional Health Europe journal. Statins work by reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which can contribute to plaque accumulation in arteries. Researchers believe the drugs may protect brain health by preventing the hardening or narrowing of blood vessels that supply the brain, as high LDL cholesterol levels have been linked to increased dementia risk through damage to cerebral blood flow and brain tissue.
Among the study participants, 2.7% developed dementia over the follow-up period. All participants had type 2 diabetes. Researchers emphasized that timing appeared significant, with earlier treatment yielding better results than late initiation. The findings align with recommendations from the Lancet dementia commission identifying high cholesterol as a modifiable risk factor that could help prevent or delay approximately 45% of dementia cases.
Experts cautioned that while the study demonstrates an association between statin use and reduced dementia risk, additional research is needed to establish direct causation. Researchers suggested that statins might eventually become part of a broader dementia prevention strategy alongside other measures such as physical activity and healthy diet. The widespread availability and affordability of statins make these potential benefits particularly significant for public health applications.
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