The benefits of statin drugs have been well-established for heart disease patients. The drugs have shown a significant effect in lowering cholesterol which has turned them into some of the most popularly prescribed drugs in the United States.

Statins work by suppressing the enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. They can help prevent the buildup of plaque on arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. This makes them important for patients with cardiovascular disease or a family history of heart problems. However, scientists believe there could be many other health benefits to the drugs.

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Here are five other potential benefits of statin drugs that scientists have investigated:

1. They could be potential cancer fighters: A 2015 study showed that lung cancer patients who were also on statins were more likely to survive the cancer.

2. Statins may improve liver disease: The drugs may help slow the progression of cirrhosis in the liver. The risk of liver damage is actually quite low for statin users.

3. They may help hepatitis sufferers: Scientists found statin users were more likely to respond favorably to antiviral therapy for hepatitis. The progression of liver fibrosis was also reduced.

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4. Statins may treat memory problems: Scientists are investigating the connection between statins and neurological problems, including Alzheimer’s and other dementia. While no clear connection has been made clinically, there are many studies investigating the potential.

5. Statins can protect diabetics' kidneys: Several studies have shown a connection between statins and beneficial outcomes for diabetic patients. At 2015 study showed that some statins could help prevent the progression of kidney disease in diabetic patients. This effect was observed to be a separate effect from the cholesterol lowering effect of the drugs.

While scientists are still examining the benefits of statins, there are several other ailments that statin drugs have not been found to improve. Among them are therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

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