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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
A large Danish study found that people with type 2 diabetes who started statins within a year of diagnosis had a 15% lower relative risk of developing dementia over 10 years. Those who started later still saw a benefit, but a smaller one. The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, add a compelling new reason to prioritize timely statin therapy in diabetic patients.
A nationwide Danish study of over 132,000 people with type 2 diabetes found that starting statin therapy within one year of diagnosis was associated with a 15% lower relative risk of developing dementia over 10 years, compared to those who never started statins. Those who began treatment between one and five years after diagnosis still saw a benefit — but a more modest 10% reduction. The findings were presented at ESC Congress 2026 and published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
The research is especially relevant because people with type 2 diabetes already face elevated risks of both high LDL cholesterol and cognitive decline. Researchers used a clone-censor-weight design to mimic a randomized trial and minimize observational bias. Results were consistent across both men and women.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: Statins are already recommended for type 2 diabetics to protect heart health, and they're widely available and inexpensive. This study suggests timely initiation may carry an additional brain-protective benefit — giving clinicians and patients yet another reason not to delay treatment.
