Brain Power Tips

Statins and memory loss are a current source of controversy.  While the medical community insists that memory loss is not an adverse effect of statin drugs, anecdotal evidence from those who have taken the drugs is growing.

Statins are drugs used to control or reduce cholesterol.  Some commonly known statins are Lipitor and Zocor.  A high level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes.  It can cause a build up in arteries, slowing or even stopping blood flow to the brain.  This in turn causes damage to the cells that harbor memory.  So if cholesterol reducing drugs promote blood flow to the brain, what harm can they do?

According to Dr. Duane Graveline, a former flight surgeon in the US Air Force, a lot.  He believes that the Lipitor he was prescribed resulted in episodes of amnesia; his spouse found him aloof and wondering outside their house several times.

There are many forums online dedicated to statins and memory loss.  Some report mild forgetfulness, while others experience periods of amnesia ranging from just a few minutes to several hours at a time.  One even believed someone had broken into her home when she found footprints and food on the table only to find out the footprints were her own.

It is important to realize that anecdotes are not the same as medical evidence. In the medical community, statins are seen as safe to use, the only known side-effects are increases in liver enzymes and muscle cramps.  There has never been a conclusive study linking statins and memory loss.  There is however a disagreement in the need for statins.  The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics believe that cholesterol hasn’t even been linked to heart disease, limiting the efficacy of these drugs.

No matter which side of the fence you sit on, the decision to start a prescription for statins should be made only after lifestyle and diet changes are ineffective.

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