Statins side effects: Can taking the drug increase your risk of dementia? Expert weighs in
Statins are widely prescribed drugs to help lower cholesterol levels. The drug can significantly lower levels of cholesterol and as such reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, the drug can also affect the brain with some hypothesising it could increase a person’s risk of dementia. Dr Tom Micklewright from Push Doctor spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk to offer his insights and warnings.
Alarming case reports began to accumulate in the early 2000’s, said Bright Focus Foundation.
The health site added: “A description of 60 case reports, published in 2003, advised taking concerns about statin-related cognitive impairment seriously, though cognitive adverse responses were most likely uncommon.
“Simvastatin, atorvastatin, and pravastatin were the medications taken by the patients who were described.
“About half of these patients noticed cognitive problems within two months of starting treatment.
“The symptoms improved after drug discontinuation in about half of those affected, which is different from what would be expected of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a progressive condition.”
