Taking statins can lower dementia risk by a third

Statins taken by people to lower cholesterol can cut the risk of dementia by a third, a review of evidence has found.

Researchers at the John Hopkins University in Baltimore investigated the effects of statins after a number of recent reports suggested that they can cause short-term memory and thinking problems.

Firstly they looked at research into how statins affect short-term memory and then they explored its long-term connection with the risk of dementia.

Some three clinical trials were identified for the review into short-term effects, and none of them proved any adverse impact on memory after using statins for a short time.

In the review of dementia risk, eight studies involving 23,443 people were looked into. The shortest of these studies ran for three years, while the longest lasted 24 years.

Three of the studies found no link, but the other five suggest that people who regularly take statins are at significantly lower risk of dementia in later life.

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said analysis of this type is useful but far from conclusive.

"Although research has shown that controlling cholesterol levels may lower the risk of dementia, large clinical trials have so far been unable to show that statins can prevent the condition."

He added that there is no certain way to avoid dementia so it is important that investment in research continues. In the meantime, people should ensure they eat a healthy and balanced diet as well as get regular exercise.

It is estimated that more than 800,000 people are living with some form of dementia in the UK and that figure is expected to rise above one million by 2021 unless a significant breakthrough in research can be made.

Last month, London became the world's first ever dementia friendly capital city with the launch of the Pan-London Dementia Action Alliance.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.