McCarty, Catherine A.; Mukesh, Bickol N.; Guymer, Robyn H.; Baird, Paul N.; Taylor, Hugh R.
(Australasian Medical Publishing, 2001-09)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in elderly Australians. Currently, there are limited treatment options, and current research efforts are focused on determining the risk factors for AMD and developing effective treatment strategies. Some risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been shown to be associated with AMD, and one study has suggested that Alzheimer's disease is associated with age-related maculopathy. It has also been suggested that alleles of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene may be associated with AMD, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Given this, it is interesting that statins - cholesterol-lowering medications - have been shown to decrease the risk of dementia and diabetes mellitus.