Are cholesterol meds linked to dementia?
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be linked to higher risks of diabetes and dementia, according to a new study published last week. More than two million Australians are believed to be using statins to reduce their risk of heart disease. US regulators have now called for these prescription drugs to carry warnings.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be linked to higher risks of diabetes and dementia, according to a new study published last week.
More than two million Australians are believed to be using statins to reduce their risk of heart disease.
US regulators have now called for these prescription drugs to carry warnings about the risk of diabetes and memory impairment.
However, Australasian Society for Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists’ (ASCEPT), Dr Matthew Doogue, tells DPS News the information is not “new”.
“The information has already been known, but it just brings it into highlight,” he says.
According to Dr Doogue, memory effects can “happen to anybody” starting a new drug.
“In terms of memory effects, there may be less common adverse effects. A common adverse effect is muscle aches – and everybody should watch out for this,” he adds.
Dr Doogue encourages people taking cholesterol-lowering drugs to consult their doctor should they be concerned about any side-effects they may be experiencing.
“Families or carers of elderly patients should also take note of any changes in their loved ones as the elderly are vulnerable to all adverse effects,” he says.
President of ASCEPT, David Le Couteur, tells Fairfax Media Australia has one of the highest rates of Statin uses in the world, and people who are not at high-risk of heart disease should reconsider using them.
Do you take cholesterol-lowering drugs and are concerned about these latest findings? Share your thoughts by commenting in the box below.
