Statins, commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk, are among the most widely used medications globally, with over 250 million prescriptions annually in the U.S. as of 2024. While effective for high-risk individuals, growing evidence suggests statins are overprescribed, especially for low-risk patients and older adults. This overuse raises serious concerns about long-term health effects, including a clear link to dementia and risks to the liver and overall well-being.Patterns of Overuse in Prescribing PracticesStatins are often prescribed to people who may not need them:
- A 2019 study found 60% of older adults were potentially overprescribed statins, with 55.8% in primary prevention (no prior heart disease) and 44.2% in secondary prevention.
- Primary prevention benefits are less clear, yet overuse persists. A 2001 study reported 69% overuse in primary prevention and 47% in secondary prevention.
- In 2016, research showed statins were overprescribed to low-risk patients and underused in high-risk groups.
- A 2025 report highlighted commercial influences distorting evidence, including a February 18, 2025, defamation lawsuit tied to articles questioning statin overuse.
- For cerebral ischemia patients without clear need, overuse could cause over 5,600 adverse events yearly in the U.S., including diabetes, muscle issues, and eye disease.
- A 2019 review urged deprescribing in older adults when benefits are unclear, as risks may outweigh advantages.
Effects on Brain Health
Statins are increasingly linked to dementia and cognitive issues, with research showing concerning effects:
- A November 20, 2024, study found statin use tied to higher white matter hyperintensity volumes and reduced cortical grey matter, changes associated with cognitive decline.
- A December 14, 2024, analysis noted statins may cause memory dysfunction, insomnia, and vertigo by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, which is critical for brain function.
- A 2019 review highlighted statins’ impact on cognition and memory pathways, reinforcing their potential to trigger dementia.
- A 2012 FDA warning flagged possible neurocognitive effects, though some studies remain inconclusive.
- While some research, like a March 26, 2025, report, suggests statins may lower Alzheimer’s risk or improve brain function, the evidence is mixed, and harmful effects on memory and thinking are a significant concern.
- Statins show no clear benefit for memory or cognitive skills in later life, raising red flags about their overuse in older adults.
Risks to Liver Health
Statins are generally safe for the liver but carry risks, especially for those with pre-existing conditions:
- A January 6, 2025, study using FDA data identified signals of liver injury risk compared to placebo.
- Common issues include temporary liver enzyme elevations and mild muscle symptoms, though severe damage is rare.
- In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, statins require careful monitoring. However, studies from March 17 and March 19, 2025, found statins reduced risks of liver cancer and hepatic decompensation in chronic liver disease.
- A December 24, 2024, analysis showed statins lowered liver-related event risks in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, particularly with elevated liver enzymes.
Broader Health Consequences
Overuse of statins has wider health impacts:
- A 2019 review emphasized risks of unnecessary therapy in older adults.
- A 2024 survey linked statins to increased fall risk in adults.
- In cerebral ischemia cases without clear need, overuse may lead to diabetes, muscle problems, and eye disease.
- A 2018 commentary warned that widespread overuse could be a “major health catastrophe” for a generation.
Recent Research Findings
Recent studies highlight statins’ complex effects:
- November 9, 2024: A review showed mixed cognitive outcomes—harmful, neutral, and protective.
- November 20, 2024: Brain imaging linked statins to white matter changes and reduced grey matter.
- January 6, 2025: FDA data flagged liver injury risks.
- March 17 & 19, 2025: Statins reduced liver cancer and decompensation risks in chronic liver disease.
- March 26, 2025: Some evidence suggested dementia risk reduction, but concerns about memory dysfunction persist.
- December 14, 2024: Statins were tied to neurological side effects like memory issues and vertigo.
Conclusion
Statins are a double-edged sword. While they can protect against heart disease in high-risk patients, their overuse—especially in low-risk individuals and older adults—raises serious concerns. The clear link to dementia, alongside risks to liver health, fall risks, and other adverse effects, underscores the need for personalized prescribing. Ongoing monitoring is critical to balance benefits and harms, ensuring statins are used only when truly necessary.“I Can’t Help Someone Who Is On A Statin…Cholesterol Lowering Drugs Have Screwed Up An Entire Generation.”
Dr Kevin Reese“Statins Directly Inflame The Liver & Create A Cholesterol Deficiency, Leading To Alzheimer’s.”
Statins Are A $16 Billion Dollar Profit Driven Industry.… pic.twitter.com/ROoTKlC1A9
— Valerie Anne Smith (@ValerieAnne1970) September 18, 2025
