A study by University of California, San Francisco researchers once again suggests that women who take cholesterol-lowering medications may also lower their risk of dementia.

The four-year study, published in Archives of Neurology, included 1,037 postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease, who were enrolled in a heart and estrogen/progestin replacement study.

Data was collected on cholesterol levels, statin use, and mental ability. None of the women had been diagnosed with dementia, and none was on Alzheimer's medications.

Researchers found a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment in women with higher overall levels of cholesterol. Likewise, higher levels of LDL cholesterol -- the so-called "bad cholesterol" -- also were associated with higher mental impairment.

But women who took statins, such as Lipitor and Zocor, lowered their cholesterol levels, and appeared to do better on mental tests.

Although the findings seem promising, researchers say the association between statin use and improved cognitive function in women without dementia requires further study (See previous Alzheimer's Week story.)

Meanwhile, the National Institute on Aging is sponsoring a new randomized study on the effects of statins. Results, however, are not expected for several years.

Other sources: Archives of Neurology