Statins May Not Harm Memory, Thinking

Here's some good, if preliminary, news for the millions of people who take statin drugs to  

lower their cholesterol: A new review of existing research finds no evidence that the 

medications pose a risk to brainpower.

Instead, the review suggests that statins may actually lower the risk of dementia, 

although the researchers say that's not certain.

The findings, which contradict a warning label required by the U.S. Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA), aren't conclusive. And a physician who specializes in blood 

vessel disorders said it remains wise for doctors to take patients off the drugs or switch 

them if there are signs of cognitive (or "thinking") problems.

Still, the new findings are "very reassuring," said study co-author .

At issue are the statin drugs -- including well-known medications such 

as Zocor and Lipitor -- that doctors prescribe to patients with high cholesterol. In 2012, 

the FDA warned consumers that "cognitive (brain-related) impairment, such as memory 

loss, forgetfulness and confusion, has been reported by some statin users." Warning 

labels appeared on the drug packaging, too.

While the brain-related problems appeared to be quite rare, "the message received by a 

lot of folks was that this is a big worry that people need to go in and talk to their 

physicians about," he said.

Researchers decided to look at every related study they could find to get a wide view of 

the possible risk. They then focused on research they considered to be of high quality.

Based on eight studies, the investigators didn't find evidence that patients who take the 

drugs in the short term face a higher risk of brain-related problems. "We found no reason 

for physicians to be concerned," said study lead author , an internal medicine physician.

Five of eight studies involving patients who took the drugs for at least a year (and even 

as long as 25 years or more) found that they actually had lower risks of dementia. Three 

studies focused specifically on Alzheimer's disease. When findings were combined, the 

studies suggest that one in 50 people may gain a reduction in dementia risk by taking 

the drug for an average of six years.

It's not clear, however, if the statins are directly responsible for the difference in 

dementia risk.

The new review did not receive any drug industry funding.

 A professor of clinical medicine  and a specialist in blood vessel disorders, said it 

remains clear that "statins do more good than harm."

The review appears to be valid, but the studies themselves may miss small changes in 

the brainpower of patients, said a Dr., who was not involved with the new research.

If a patient appears to have cognitive problems, she said, it's "safe and reasonable" to 

remove the medication for a few weeks and see what happens. If the patient's cognition 

improves, another statin might be appropriate.

Why might statins affect the brain either positively or negatively? On one hand, she

said, "what's good for the heart is usually good for the brain." But there could be other 

effects, she said, that aren't yet understood.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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