A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has shown that common cholesterol-lowering medication could be effective in combating Alzheimers disease if taken at the early stages of the disease. The research builds on findings that statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, can improve blood flow in the brain. The study was undertaken in year old laboratory mice with Alzheimers.
When given doses of the drug simvastatin, brain blood flow improved. In younger mice the drug also increased memory retention and aided learning.