Statin therapy soon after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis may lower dementia risk while protecting the heart. Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich on August 30 revealed that adults starting statins within a year of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis had a 15% lower relative risk of developing dementia over 10 years compared to those who delayed treatment for up to five years. Those who started treatment later still experienced a 10% reduced risk.
A statin is a prescription medication known to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health–Europe, tracked health data from 132,585 Danish patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from 2006 to 2019. None had a prior history of statin use or dementia.
During a median 7.1-year follow-up, researchers analyzed how statin treatment timing affected dementia rates. Dr. Liron Sinvani, a geriatrician at the Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging, emphasized the study’s contributions to the evidence that statins may support brain health despite the modest improvement.
“The message here is that maybe waiting is actually not the right approach,” Sinvani said.
Sinvani highlighted that the results were compelling due to the focus on vascular dementia prevention rather than Alzheimer’s disease. Statins lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect blood vessels, which prevents brain vascular damage.
Although guidelines often recommend statins for diabetic adults aged 40 to 75, early post-diagnosis statin treatment is not yet standard. The study’s findings suggest that early consideration in routine care could lower dementia risk.
Almost half of dementia cases might be preventable or delayable by addressing risk factors, according to the Lancet Commission. Researchers note that due to the study’s observational nature, it shows association rather than causation.
Sinvani cautions, “This is not proof that statins prevent dementia, but it’s an important step in this literature.” She advises those with type 2 diabetes to consult their doctor on statin therapy suitability.