Is there a link between Statins and Alzheimer’s disease?
Researchers at the University of Southern California have suggested that taking statins may substantially reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Along with other types of dementia, Alzheimer’s has now replaced heart disease as the leading cause of death in England and Wales1.
In the UK alone, 8 million people take statins on a daily basis in order to regulate and lower the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL-bad cholesterol) in their blood. This is vital as high levels can lead to various types of cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks, angina and stroke2.
The study examined 400,000 patients who took statins on a regular basis and the results highlighted a 12% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s in men and a 15% reduced risk in women. Scientists behind the study believe the link may be attributed to the interaction between cholesterol and beta-amyloid, which plays a role in dementia, or that an anti-inflammatory quality of statins could be shielding the disease.
Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Previous research has attempted to find out whether using statins to lower cholesterol can alter a person’s risk of developing dementia but these studies have produced mixed findings. This refreshing approach highlights that ‘one size fits all’ is not always a suitable approach to healthcare and this is likely to be the case when it comes to ways people can reduce their risk of dementia.”
Randox Biosciences are dedicated to improving health worldwide through the development of effective and innovative diagnostic tests. Our experienced R&D teams have developed a blood test which efficiently identifies patients at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and provides a faster alternative to standard testing which analyses a patient’s DNA.
Utilised on our proprietary Biochip Array Technology, our ApoE4 Array* can conduct multiple diagnostic tests on a single blood sample, which has both cost and time-saving benefits, in addition to a rapid diagnosis for the patient.
“This type of testing is important in our quest to understand and diagnose Alzheimer’s and empower patients to understand risks, consider medication, and even make early lifestyle changes,” said Dr. Emma Harte, our R&D Scientist who was involved in the development of the test.
“Pairing this test with medical and family history for risk of Alzheimer’s disease has the real potential to advance personalised medicine. This fast, accurate testing will allow doctors and patients to make more informed choices earlier to potentially slow the possible progress of Alzheimer’s.”
Read the full story at The Telegraph
For further information, please contact us at info@randoxbiosciences.com
*for research use only
1- BBC News
2-NHS Choices