A new study suggests that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels below 70 mg/dL are associated with a reduced risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia. Statin use further decreases this risk.
Researchers analyzed data from 108,980 patients in 11 university hospitals in South Korea, comparing those with LDL-C levels < 70 mg/dL to those with levels > 130 mg/dL. The study found that LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL were linked to a 26% reduced risk of all-cause dementia and a 28% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia.
Additionally, the study suggests that statin use is associated with a 13% lower risk of all-cause dementia and a 12% decrease in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia risk among patients with LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL.
The results support targeted LDL-C management as part of dementia prevention strategies. The study’s findings also highlight the critical importance of LDL-C levels in dementia risk, regardless of statin use.
Experts say that this study provides a concrete evidence-based benchmark for cholesterol management and can help clinicians make informed decisions about treatment. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm the results and understand the effects of statins on disease processes in the brain.
Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/lower-ldl-critical-importance-reducing-dementia-risk-2025a10007yb?form=fpf