The heart-protecting, risk-reducing benefits of statins — the most-often prescribed med for elevated LDL cholesterol — are proven. According to a 2014 meta-analysis of 20 years’ worth of published research, the cardiovascular benefits are huge. But a growing number of studies shows statins do more than protect you from heart attack or stroke.

— Several studies indicate they decrease your risk for dementia by protecting the health of blood vessels in the brain and helping prevent amyloid protein accumulation, which characterizes Alzheimer’s.

— They may reduce your risk for cancer, according to a new study that looked at a statin’s impact on 367,000 people who had a particular cancer-related gene variant. Other studies show statins may reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer.

— Statins may fight infection: A 2009 meta-analysis found folks on statins were 43% less likely to contract infections and 45% more likely to respond to treatment than people not taking statins. Docs now suggest statins may help fight off COVID-19.

So, don’t debate whether you should take or stay on a prescribed statin. (Only 55% of people stick with ’em past six months.) That med may protect your heart, brain and a whole lot more from health problems