Alzheimer's Society Comment On Research Into Statins And Dementia

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience;  Statins
Article Date: 29 Jul 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Statins are increasingly hitting the headlines as a potential cure for dementia.

The jury is still out on how effective they are, but this study adds to growing evidence that they may have some benefits. All drugs have some side-effects so it is important to seek professional advice about medication.

Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference

The study published in Neurology, found that statins may cut the risk of dementia by half. The five-year project examined 1,674 Mexican Americans aged 60 and over who were free of dementia. 27% of the group took a statin drug.

Notes

- 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.

- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.

- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

- As a charity, Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898.

Alzheimer's Society

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