Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health have seen further indications that statin medications taken for high cholesterol levels decrease the risk of developing dementia, by as much as half.
In a study described in the July 29 issue of Neurology, professor of epidemiology Mary N. Haan writes that drugs such as Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, and Zocor have been found to promote brain health. In their epidemiological study involving almost 1,700 subjects 60 years of age and older and followed for 5 years, results consistent with earlier observational studies were obtained, showing benefits for the prevention of dementia.
In the study, aimed at people at high risk of developing dementia due to high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, 130 participants developed dementia by the end of the five year period, but the incidence of dementia among those participants taking statins was one-half of those who did not receive the drugs.
Prior clinical trials had show inconsistent results, and Haan has stated that "a primary prevention trial" will be needed to resolve the conflict. Dr. Benjamin Wolozin, professor of pharmacology and neurology at Boston University, who conducted an earlier, consistent study, has indicated that some of the controlled trials were conducted over far too short a time period. "You can't show benefit in a year if you already have it [Alzheimer's disease]," Wolozin said.
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