Objective: To investigate whether usage of statin is associated with decreased mortality in Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Background: Large-scale genome sequencing studies of PD have identified several gene mutations associated with lipid homoeostasis. Statins are widely used for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis. The role of statin in PD has been in controversy. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that statins may have beneficial effect on α-synuclein aggregation and dopaminergic cell death, however, other studies argued harmful effect of statins in PD. The effect of statin on longitudinal outcomes in PD has not been studies thoroughly so far.
Method: We utilized sample cohort databases from National Health Insurance Service in Korea. We enrolled individuals who were diagnosed with PD for the first time between 2009 and 2019. A total of 2,969 PD patients were identified, and they were classified into two groups: (1) PD without any record for insurance claim of statin (never-statin), and (2) PD with any prescription history of statin (ever-statin). The Chi-square test and independent t-test were used compare demographics and comorbid conditions. Survival analysis was performed through a log-rank test using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses including age, sex, insurance quintile, Charlson Comorbidiy Index (CCI), and levodopa equivalent dose (LED) as covariates. Statin usage and cumulative dose of statin which were converted into defined daily dose (DDD) were both investigated.
Results: Ever-statin group had more female patients, higher proportion of high CCI (CCI≥2), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis. Ever-statin group had a lower risk of mortality during the follow-up period, and this association was significant considering covariates. Moreover, total statin DDD was also associated with lower risk of mortality with regard of covariates. Cause of death between ever-statin and never-statin group were comparable except for metabolic causes, which was higher in the ever-statin group.
Conclusion: Statin usage might be beneficial in patients with PD.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
M. Park, I. Hong, M. Baek. Association between statin use and mortality in Parkinson’s disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2024; 39 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/association-between-statin-use-and-mortality-in-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed June 10, 2026.« Back to 2024 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/association-between-statin-use-and-mortality-in-parkinsons-disease/