BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhuanet) -- Older people who are taking statin drugs may see their risk for dementia fall by half, a new study said.

    The study, published in the July 29 issue of Neurology, says statins, commonly used to reduce heart disease risk, can help maintain brain health.

    "This is another brick in the wall, in the sense that there is mounting evidence, primarily from observational studies, that there is at least some benefit for prevention of dementia," said lead researcher Mary N. Haan, professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

    The study followed 1,674 Mexican-Americans aged 60 and older for five years.

    In total, 130 participants had developed dementia by the end of five years. But the incidence of dementia among the 27 percent of the participants who took statins was half that of those who didn't take the drugs, the study said.

    A poor supply of blood to the brain is thought to be one factor which promotes the development of dementia. Statins help lower levels of cholesterol which clog up the blood vessels. Therefore, if statins help keep the blood vessels healthy, and blood flowing freely to the brain, they may help protect against the disease, the study explained. 

    However, people are suggested not to take statins unless medically advised to do so.

    "All drugs have some side-effects so it is important to seek professional advice about medication," said Dr. Clive Ballard, of the Alzheimer's Society.

    (Agencies)