Four potential side-effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs statins

In the early Noughties, “cholesterol” became a bit of a buzzword, with campaigns and advertisements telling us we should care about it – and seek to maintain healthy levels.

And although its prominence in conversation has died down somewhat in recent years, its importance is no less real, with 59% of people in the UK experiencing raised cholesterol in 2021. High levels of cholesterol was most evident in those aged 45 and 64 (72%) and among adults aged 16 to 33, men (53%) were more likely than women (46%) to have raised levels.

Now, a new study has also linked reduced levels of bad cholesterol with curbing the risk of dementia, finding that people with low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in their blood are 26% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

It also looked at the use of statins – cholesterol-lowering medications – and found them to provide an “additional protective effect” against the condition.

Here, we take a look at what statins are, how they work – and the potential side-effects and benefits of the drug.

What are statins?

A group of medicines that help lower the level of LDL cholesterol – “bad cholesterol” – in the blood, statins are designed to reduce the production of it inside the liver.

The drugs are normally prescribed to those with potentially dangerous levels of LDL-C, which, in turn, can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries and result in cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis.

Coming in tablet form, statins are taken once daily, but the dose will depend on your medical needs. This dosage may also change over time, depending on what your GP deems necessary.

Most people have to continue taking statins throughout their life once they have been prescribed them.

What are the side-effects of statins?

Side-effects can include:

• Digestive problems, such as indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation

• Feeling tired or physically weak

Rarer side-effects include:

• Muscle damage – This usually only happens when statins are taken in combination with other medication

• Loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings

What other potential benefits of statins are there?

Lower risk of Alzheimer’s

In addition to the 2025 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (outlined above), a 2016 study published by the same journal also linked statins to a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Looking at 400,000 Medicare beneficiaries who used the drugs, the research found that men in the group who had taken the medication regularly for two years had a 12% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Lower risk of cancer

Various studies have also looked at the impact statins have on cancer risks, but the results have been inconsistent and there’s no conclusive answer right now. More research needs to be done to gauge whether statins can, indeed, lower the risk of certain cancers.

Anti-inflammatory effects

The drugs have also been found to reduce inflammation and irritation, and the exacerbation of atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Regulating immune reactions

Research published by Nature Communications in 2019 discovered a new link between statins and immune systems. It found that by using medications like statins, they could modify cell responses in the lab. Professor Andrew Cope, lead investigator of the study, said: “We think that our findings could explain why people taking statins are better at fighting influenza, and why patients have better outcomes for some types of cancer.”

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