Association of blood cholesterol and lipid-lowering treatments with post-stroke dementia: cohort studies using Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies

More people are surviving having a stroke, with a result that the long term sequelae are growing in importance. One such issue is problems with thinking and memory which may progress to dementia. Dementia after stroke is thought to be related to blood cholesterol that increases risk of heart attacks and strokes, despite the association not having been well demonstrated. This suggests that lipid-lowering treatments may help prevent dementia after stroke. In this study, we want to explore whether being on lipid-lowering medications is associated with lower risk of dementia after stroke.

To answer this question, we will use two data sources: one is called Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), which is derived from electronic health records of general practices in the UK, and the other is called Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS), which are population-based studies to investigate dementia and cognitive decline in elderly people. Through statistical analyses on both data sources, we will first quantify the possible effects of blood cholesterol on dementia after stroke, and then explore whether lipid-lowering treatment is associated with lower risk of dementia in this population, and if so, what kinds of medication and what intensities are more effective. This work is relevant to all stroke survivors in the UK and internationally. It has the potential to inform primary health care practice and future research in this area.

Amount awarded: £18,000