Study Links Statins To Dementia Prevention
It's estimated that more than five million Americans are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. That number is expected to more than triple 2050. One of the most heartbreaking signs of the disease is dementia. Now a new study says preventing the symptom may be found in one the most popular medications on the market today. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook explains.
The study followed more than 1,600 people over the age of 60 for five years. Those who were taking a cholesterol-lowering statin such as Lipitor, had a surprising result.
They were about half as likely to develop either early signs of trouble thinking or full-blown dementia.
Research has shown that giving statins to patients who already have Alzheimer's does not seem to help. But today's study looked at people before any hint of dementia.
"What it tells us is that statins might not be effective in slowing the progression of disease, but they might ... prevent disease," said Mary Haan of the University of Michigan.
Since cholesterol is part of the tell-tale plaques on the brains of Alzheimer's patients, it made sense to think that statins might help.
"It seems as though the statins because they lower cholesterol reduce production of these plaques," said Dr. Gayatri Devi.
High cholesterol is one risk factor for dementia - but experts stress focusing on all risk factors.
"... obesity, smoking, certain types of genetic predisposition," Devi said.
And despite this study, there is not enough evidence to prescribe statins for the brain.
A patient calls you up and says "I'm losing my memory a little, would you be tempted to put them on a statin, LaPook asked.
"No, no, I think if they have high cholesterol, then absolutely, yes then that's a good time to put them on statins," Devi said. "But statins as prevention for Alzheimers is not indicated at this time."