Statins: cholesterol-lowering drugs also protect against dementia

This was discovered by a team led by Dr. Yerim Kim from Hallym University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. For the study, the researchers evaluated data from patients whose health development they were able to track at least 180 days after a cholesterol measurement.

Nearly 200,000 of these people had low LDL levels of less than 70 mg/dL. To each of the participants, the team matched a person with a reading of more than 130 mg/dL who had the same sex, age, and medical history.

28 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A comparison with dementia diagnoses that occurred during the course of the study showed that compared to people with LDL levels above 130 mg/dL, values below 70 mg/dL reduced the risk of dementia by 26 percent. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease even fell by 28 percent.

Participants who took cholesterol-lowering statins for cardiovascular disease also benefited: For them, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia also decreased.

Statins also provide additional protection for low cholesterol levels

It was shown that statins could reduce the risk of dementia not only in people with high LDL levels, but also in values below 70 mg/dl. Those who also took statins at such a low level reduced their risk of dementia by a further 18 percent compared to non-users with equally low values.

Since this is only an observational study, the results are not evidence that it is actually the low blood pressure values that protect against dementia. And so far, there are only hypotheses about the biological mechanisms that could be behind it.

How does LDL cholesterol harm brain health?

IIn the case of vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia, the connection with high cholesterol levels seems plausible, at least at first glance: This form of dementia is the result of a reduced blood supply to the brain.

However, the LDL, which is measured in the blood, does not end up in the brain at all: “Cholesterol cannot cross the blood-brain barrier,” explains study leader Kim when asked by netDoktor.

High LDL levels promote Alzheimer’s plaques

For Alzheimer’s dementia, the connection seems less obvious. However, various animal experiments have shown that high LDL levels are associated with increased deposits of beta-amyloid in the brain.

A study with rats fed a high-cholesterol diet also revealed an increased production of tau proteins, the second form of pathological protein accumulations in the brain that are typical of Alzheimer’s in addition to beta-amyloid, Kim reports.

Inflammatory processes in the brain

In addition, increased inflammatory processes in the brain were found in the animals as well as changes in the hippocampus, the brain structure that is crucial for storing memory content. An increased activation of microglial cells – the immune cells of the brain – was also observed.

“Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia have the same risk factors – for example, old age, high blood pressure-related heart disease and diabetes,” Kim explains. “We therefore think that LDL levels influence not only the risk factors associated with vascular dementia, but also the mechanisms associated with amyloid deposition in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.”

In the UAE

New research links lower LDL cholesterol with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias

In the UAE, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality, often linked to high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), commonly known as “bad cholesterol.” Now, an international study suggests that maintaining low LDL-C levels — especially with the help of cholesterol-lowering statins — may also offer protection against cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Why does this matter in the UAE

• High prevalence of cholesterol-related conditions: With sedentary lifestyles and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes in the UAE, high cholesterol remains a major concern.
• Rising dementia cases: As the population ages, cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia are projected to grow in the region.
• Statins are already widely prescribed: Many UAE residents are familiar with statins for heart health — this new evidence highlights additional neurological benefits.

Should You Take Statins to Prevent Dementia?

Health authorities in the UAE recommend regular cholesterol screening, especially for adults over 40 or those with family history of cardiovascular disease. While this study is observational and not conclusive, it adds to growing evidence supporting early intervention and proactive heart health management — which could also benefit your brain.

Key Takeaways for UAE Residents

• Get your cholesterol checked regularly.
• Talk to your doctor about the potential dual benefits of statins.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: diet, exercise, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.