Cholestrol drugs shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease

The first-ever autopsy study into statins and a possible link to physical changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease, was carried out by a team at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Professor Clive Ballard, director of research for the Alzheimer's Society says,

'This is an exciting piece of work as it is the first autopsy study investigating a possible link between statins and changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest statins may help to reduce the levels of some of the hallmark signs of the disease.

This type of study is difficult to interpret as there are a number of other factors that can influence changes in the brain. But the evidence is building to support previous studies suggesting statins may help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. We now need to see whether a controlled study into the effect of statins and involving more volunteers delivers similar results.'