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Scientists do not fully understand what causes the chronic neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer's, but they are examining a combination of genetic, health and lifestyle factors. On social media, false claims blaming statins -- medicines that help lower cholesterol levels -- are spreading despite research showing that a sustained reduction in "bad" cholesterol can actually help lower the risk of dementia.
"What is Alzheimer's disease? Well it's the disappearing of your brain's insulation, the Myelin!!" says a September 27, 2025 Facebook post. "What is Myelin made out off? It's made from CHOLESTEROL!!!"
An identical post on X concludes: "If you go on a low Cholesterol diet or cholesterol medication, it's the fastest way to Alzheimer's disease."
The posts share a video of Joel Wallach, a veterinarian and neuropathic physician who has previously been fact-checked by Science Feedback.
In the video, he links the loss of myelin to Alzheimer's and adds: "Alzheimer's disease is a physician-caused disease. Alzheimer's disease did not occur fourty years ago, even by another name."
AFP was unable to identify the precise date or location of the footage, but a longer version has been available on the YouTube channel of a local US public access television station since at least 2011.
The claim has repeatedly circulated in English, appearing on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and...
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