Statins Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Massive Type 2 Diabetes Study
The earlier, the better.
Researchers analyzing data from Danish national health registers have discovered a potential connection between statin therapy and reduced dementia risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study examined over 132,000 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 2006 and 2019 who had never previously used statins. Those who began statin treatment within one year of their diabetes diagnosis showed a 15 percent lower relative risk of developing dementia over a 10-year period, compared to patients who never received statins.
The timing of treatment appeared to matter significantly in the findings. Patients who started statins between one and five years after their diabetes diagnosis experienced a 10 percent lower relative risk of dementia at the 10-year mark. When examining absolute risk, researchers found that 3.3 percent of early-treatment patients developed dementia within a decade, compared to 3.9 percent among those who never received statins.
The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health, represents an observational study, which means it can identify patterns but cannot definitively establish cause-and-effect relationships. Researchers led by Dr. Tummas Ternhamar emphasized that statins may be underutilized in type 2 diabetes patients despite their established cardiovascular benefits. They highlighted that because statins are widely available and affordable, ensuring timely treatment could provide additional protective benefits against cognitive decline.
Originally reported by Sciencealert →
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