Link between statins and dementia complex

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Previous studies of a link between statins, a cholesterol lowering medication, and cognitive decline have produced mixed results. New research suggests that the relationship between statin use and cognitive decline appears even more complex than originally thought.

The study involved 1,146 African Americans aged 70 and older living in Indianapolis whose cognitive status was assessed in 2001 and again in 2004.

The Indianapolis-based researchers found that cognitive decline in people who took statins was less than in those who did not take statins.

However, those who continued to take statins from 2001 to 2004 had greater cognitive decline than those who were taking statins in 2001 but were no longer taking them in 2004. If statin use were directly associated with a reduction in cognitive decline, continuously taking statins would presumably produce the greatest effect.

"The relationship between statin use and cognitive decline is complex and subjected to unknown confounders," Dr. Stanley Szwast, of Indiana University School of Medicine, and colleagues note in a report in the journal Neurology. "This effect may not be associated with the cholesterol lowering or anti-inflammatory action of statins."

"We know that taking statin medication can protect against cardiovascular events such as heart attacks by lowering blood cholesterol. The question at hand is what effects do these medications have on brain function. Our study along with others shows promising results but larger controlled studies are needed," Szwast noted in a statement.

SOURCE: Neurology, November 6, 2007