STATINS do not cause memory loss and may even protect OAPs against Alzheimer’s, it is claimed.
A study shows up to half of patients stop taking the cholesterol-beating pills due to fears they harm brain power.
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But experts warn quitters are at more risk of heart attack or stroke and should be confident that they are safe.
Scientists from the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia, analysed data on 1,037 people aged 70 to 90 over six years.
Each had MRI scans to monitor brain changes and sat regular tests on their thinking and memory.
Results showed there were no differences between those who took statins and those who did not.
But men with the APOE-4 gene, known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, saw their brain power decline slower if taking statins.
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Prof Katherine Samaras said: “We’ve come away with a reassurance for consumers to feel more confident about statins.”
About 12 million Brits qualify for the 4p-a-day drugs.
OLDER diabetics with memory loss would benefit from wearable glucose monitors to ensure their blood sugar levels are checked regularly, a University of East Anglia study suggests.
