In early noutties, “cholesterol” becomes a bit of a buzzword and campaigns and ads try to maintain healthy levels by telling us that we should be concerned about it.
And while its excellence in conversation has declined somewhat in recent years, its importance is less realistic. 59% of the UK I experienced cholesterol growing up in 2021. High levels of cholesterol were most prominent at ages 45 and 64 (72%), with males (53%) more likely to increase levels in adults aged 16-33, and females (46%).
now, New research They also found that people with low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) are 26% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, linking poor cholesterol levels that reduce the risk of dementia.
We also looked into the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, statins, and found that they provide “additional protective effects” against the condition.
Here we look at what statins are, how they work, and the potential side effects and benefits of drugs.
What is a statin?
A group of medications that help lower LDL cholesterol levels – “bad cholesterol” – in the blood, Statins It is designed to reduce production within the liver.
The drug is usually prescribed to patients with potentially dangerous levels of LDL-C, which can lead to arterial stiffness and stenosis, leading to cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis.
In the form of a tablet, statins are taken once a day, but the dosage depends on your medical needs. This dosage may vary over time depending on what GP appears to be needed.
Most people must continue to take statins throughout their lifetime once they are prescribed them.
What are the side effects of statins?
Side effects can include:
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headache
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Dizziness
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nausea
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Digestive problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation
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Muscle pain
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Sleep problems
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Low platelet count
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Feeling tired or physically weak
More rare side effects include:
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Muscle damage – This usually only occurs when statins are taken in combination with other drugs
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Loss of sensation or tingling of nerve endings
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Tendon problems
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Hair removal
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Memory issues
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Stimulating skin
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Loss of sex drive
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Erectile dysfunction
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I’m sick
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Liver damage
What other potential benefits are there to do with statins?
Low risk of Alzheimer’s disease
In addition to the 2025 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (overview above), a 2016 study published by the same journal linked statins to a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Looking at 400,000 Medicare beneficiaries who used the drug, the study found that men in the group who took the drug regularly for two years were at a 12% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Low risk of cancer
Various the study We have also looked at the effects of statins on cancer risk, but the results are inconsistent and there is currently no definitive answer. Further research is needed to measure whether statins can actually reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Drugs have also been discovered Reduces inflammation and irritationand worsening atherosclerosis, a major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Modulation of immune responses
the study An publication by Nature Communications in 2019 discovered a new link between statins and the immune system. We found that using drugs like statins can alter cellular responses in the lab. Professor Andrew Cope, the lead investigator of the study, said, “We believe it can explain why people taking statins are good at fighting the flu and why patients can explain why some types of cancer outcomes are good.”
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