A Common Question: Do Statin Cholesterol Medications Cause Dementia?

One of the most common concerns patients share with me at the Kahn Center is their fear that lowering their cholesterol levels with "statin" medications like atorvastatin or rosuvastatin might promote dementia. 

Indeed, the potential impact of statins on cognitive decline and dementia is still debated but their is considerable data arguing for their safety. A recent review article addressed this concern with a large analysis. 

STUDY

A review of studies reporting on the relationship between statin use and dementia overall, or Alzheimer's Disease (AD) specifically, was performed.

In the pooled analyses, statins were associated with a decreased risk of dementia (36 studies, 20% lower risk) and of AD [21 studies (32% lower risk).

No difference was observed in the risk reduction of dementia between men and women.

Similar risks were observed for lipophilic and hydrophilic statins for both dementia and AD, while high-potency statins showed a 20% reduction of dementia risk compared with a 16% risk reduction associated with low-potency statins, suggesting a greater efficacy of the former.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no doubt that statin medications can cause side effects including musccle and joint issues, elevations in blood sugar, and "brain fog".  However, the major concern patients tell me about is actual dementia or AD.

These results confirm the absence of a neurocognitive risk associated with statin treatment and suggest a potential favourable role of statins on the prevention of dementia and AD, perhaps by reducing vascular dementia and reductions in inflammation. At the Kahn Center, all patients taking statin medications combine the Rx with daily coQ10 vitamin support. 

Author
Dr. Joel Kahn

You Might Also Enjoy...

What is a LBBB? Does it Matter?

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with increased mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a well-established treatment to mitigate the morbidity.

Do Eggs Lower Cholesterol? Or Do Lentils and Tofu!

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death. Although dietary cholesterol from eggs has been a focus of dietary guidelines, recent evidence suggests that saturated fat has a greater impact on LDL cholesterol.

5 Heart Calculators To Know Your Risk Assessment

The concept of vascular age, also known as arterial age, is a strongly supported measurement. There are several calculators available to assist in measuring this. Several require a coronary calcium CT score, but not all. One is for Lipoprotein(a) patients.

Can Wearing A Weighted Vest Help You Keep Weight Off? YES

Coined the “gravitostat” in 2018, this intriguing hypothesis posits that lower extremity osteocytes sense changes in body weight (BW) and respond by sending a systemic signal to the brain, influencing appetite and subsequent body fat stores.