Can cholesterol meds cause dementia?
The researchers found that of 300 older adults with mildly impaired thinking and memory, those using “lipophilic” statins were more likely to develop dementia over the next eight years. Lipophilic statins include such widely used medications as simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and lovastatin (Altoprev).
Do statin drugs lead to dementia?
Although this particular study found no link between statins and dementia, the research into statins and brain-related effects over all is best described as inconsistent, says Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Can high cholesterol cause memory problems?
“High cholesterol levels in the blood can predispose the deposition of plaque in the blood vessels,” says Connor, a specialist in atherosclerosis (the process by which deposits build up in arteries). And, he adds, “stroke can result in memory loss.”
Are statins bad for memory?
Some statin users have reported that they experienced memory loss while taking the medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its safety information for statins to include memory loss, forgetfulness, and confusion as possible risks, or side effects of taking statins.
Can statins cause memory loss?
Neurological side effects The FDA warns on statin labels that some people have developed memory loss or confusion while taking statins. These side effects reverse once you stop taking the medication.
Does high cholesterol give you brain fog?
Statins and Brain Fog While statins have a lot of health benefits and are safe for most people to use, there are some side effects. These can include: Muscle aches and pain. Memory loss or brain fog.
Do statins reduce brain cholesterol?
Too great a reduction of brain cholesterol with statins that enter the central nervous system might deprive the brain of cholesterol’s beneficial effects.
What drugs cause memory loss?
Antianxiety Drugs (Benzodiazepines) However, by suppressing certain key areas of the brain, these pills may interfere with the transfer of data from short-term memory to long-term memory. Benzodiazepines are commonly used by anesthesiologists for this very reason.
What is the safest cholesterol drug?
The truth is that statins are arguably the safest cholesterol lowering drug on the marketplace in widespread use. While most people can tolerate the effects of statins with relatively few side effects, some may experience the following as the body adjusts to the medications.
Can cholesterol medicine affect memory?
FDA: Memory Loss, Confusion, Diabetes Are Possible Statin Side Effects. From the WebMD Archives. Feb. 28, 2012 — Memory loss, confusion, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects of the popular cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, the FDA warns.