Anti-cholesterol drugs may cut dementia risk

CHOLESTEROL-busting drugs could reduce the risk of dementia, a study has revealed.

- By Ella Pickover

Statins, one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK, were found to have "additional protective effects" to stop the cruel condition.

They are currently taken by around eight million people to reduce their chances of suffering heart attacks and strokes.

But new research suggests they may have even more benefits.

Experts found that people who have low levels of "bad" cholesterol in their blood have a reduced risk of dementia.

Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "This large study looked at patient records for levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the risk of dementia. It also examined those patients who were on statins.