Study claims statins may protect against Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers who monitored 3,000 people in their 70s who did not have Parkinson’s, found that 53 per cent of those not taking statins went on to develop the disease and 45 per cent of those taking the medication developed the condition, a 16 per cent lower risk.

 

There are currently around 137,000 people in the UK and 680,000 in the US who are living with Parkinsons’s.

 

Parkinson’s is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain, which cuts the production of chemicals involved in regulating movement.

 

The study’s lead researcher Dr Shahram Oveisgharan, said “Our results suggest people using statins may have a lower risk of parkinsonism, and that may be partly caused by the protective effect statins may have on arteries in the brain.

 

“Our results are exciting because movement problems in older adults that come under the umbrella of parkinsonism are common, often debilitating and generally untreatable.

 

She added “Statins could be a therapeutic option in the future to help reduce the effects of parkinsonism in the general population of older adults, not just people with high cholesterol or who are at risk for stroke.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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