In the early Noughties, Cholesterol became a little fashion word, as campaigns and ads tell us that we should be interested in this – and strive to maintain healthy levels.
And although its fame in the conversation has subsided in some recent years, its importance is no less real, with 59%of people in the UK experiencing elevated cholesterol in 2021. High cholesterol levels were most clear in those aged 45 and 64.
Now, a new study is also associated with reduced levels of bad cholesterol to limit the risk of dementia, finding that people with low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in their blood are 26% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
He also examined the use of statins for lowering cholesterol-and found them to provide an “additional protective effect” against the condition.
Here we look at the statins, how the potential side effects and benefits of the drug work.
High levels of “bad cholesterol” can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, among other things. (Getty Images)
What are statins?
A group of medicines that help lower LDL cholesterol levels – “bad cholesterol” – in the blood statins are designed to reduce the production of it inside the liver.
Medicines are usually prescribed to those with potentially dangerous LDL-C levels, which in turn can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis.
Coming in a tablet, statins are taken once daily, but the dose will depend on your medical needs. This dose may also change over time, depending on what your GP considers it necessary.
Most people should continue to accept statins throughout their lives after being prescribed.
What are the side effects of statins?
Side effects may include:
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Digestive problems such as poor digestion, diarrhea or constipation
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You feel tired or physically weak
The rarer side effects include:
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Muscle damage – this usually happens only when statins are taken in combination with other medicines
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Loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings
What other potential benefits of statins are there?
Statins are associated with a lower risk of dementia. (Getty Images)
A lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease
In addition to the 2025 study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (described above), a 2016 study, published by the same journal, also links statins with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Looking at 400,000 Medicare beneficiaries who used medicines, the study found that men in the group who regularly take medicines for two years had a 12% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
A lower risk of cancer
Various studies also look at shock statins on the risk of cancer, but the results are inconsistent and there is currently no definite answer. More studies need to be done to assess whether statins can really reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Anti -inflammatory effects
Medicines have also been found to reduce inflammation and irritation and exacerbation of atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Regulation of immune reactions
Studies published by Nature Communications in 2019 have discovered a new link between statins and the immune system. He finds that using medicines such as statins, they can change cellular responses in the laboratory. Professor Andrew Cope, a leading research researcher, said: “We believe that our discoveries could explain why people who accept statins are better in the fight against flu and why patients have better results for some cancers.”
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