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Daily statins cut dementia risk by 15% and slash heart attack chances, two world-first studies find

Statins, which can cost as little as 3p per pill, cut dementia risk by up to 15% in a landmark 15-year Danish study of over 132,000 participants.
Statins, which can cost as little as 3p per pill, cut dementia risk by up to 15% in a landmark 15-year Danish study of over 132,000 participants.

Two landmark studies presented at the world's largest heart conference in Munich have found that statins can cut dementia risk by as much as 15% — with earlier treatment delivering greater protection. Taken together, the results indicate that around six million Britons of 70 or older who are not currently on statins could stand to benefit, as could the roughly five million people in the UK living with type 2 diabetes.

The cholesterol-lowering tablets can cost as little as 3p a day, and around eight million Britons are already prescribed them.

Prof Isabel Goncalves of the European Society of Cardiology said: 'Because statins are widely available and inexpensive, the findings are potentially important.'

Experts believe nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed, with the disease projected to affect 153 million people by 2050.

MoreThe TelegraphStatins could cut dementia risk for millionsThe GuardianStatins can reduce dementia risk by up to 15%, long-term study suggestsIrish ExaminerStudy finds statins can lower risk of dementia by 15% - Irish ExaminerPressReaderStatin hope to cut risk of dementia - PressReaderThe SunMillions could benefit from 3p pill ‘to slash risk of heart attack and dementia’
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