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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Lipid lowering agents, cognitive decline, and dementia: the three-city study
Marie-Laure Ancelin1, Isabelle Carrière, Pascale Barberger-Gateau
1Inserm, U1061, Montpellier, France. marie-laure.ancelin@inserm.fr
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|March 28, 2012
Summary
Lipid lowering agents like fibrates may increase visual memory decline in women with high LDL-cholesterol. Statins showed no effect on cognitive decline or dementia risk in this elderly cohort.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cognitive decline and dementia are significant concerns in aging populations.
- Lipid lowering agents (LLAs) are widely used, but their impact on cognition requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of fibrate and statin use on cognitive function and dementia risk in elderly individuals.
- To explore potential gender-specific associations and the role of genetic factors and LDL-cholesterol levels.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 6,830 community-dwelling elderly persons.
- Cognitive performance, dementia diagnosis, and LLA use assessed over 7 years.
- Multivariate Cox models adjusted for sociodemographic, health, and genetic factors.
Main Results:
- Fibrate use was associated with increased visual memory decline in women, particularly those with higher LDL-cholesterol.
- No significant association was found between statin use (any type) and cognitive decline or dementia.
- The observed association with fibrates was independent of genetic vulnerability.
Conclusions:
- LLAs in late life did not demonstrate a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia.
- Women with treatment-resistant high LDL-cholesterol treated with fibrates may face an elevated risk of visual memory decline.
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