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New study suggests statins may offer protection from Parkinson's disease

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results and are currently taking statin medications may be less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, according to a new study published in the Archives of Neurology.

After reviewing health data from nearly 140,000 individuals, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that statin users were substantially less likely to develop the neurological condition.

The team pointed out that statins lower cholesterol and improve heart health by reducing inflammation and modulating the effects of the immune system. These same benefits could be what kept many statin users in the study from developing Parkinson's disease.

Still, the researchers said their findings should be interpreted with caution. Statins did not completely eliminate a person's Parkinson's risk and the medications do carry some side effects. The complications that can come with statins may outweigh the benefits.

Ultimately, the team said further investigations should be conducted to uncover the full connection between statin use and Parkinson's risk. This could help determine if the medications are appropriate for individuals who are at risk for developing the neurological disorder.