Statins and Memory Loss

Find out the facts about the worlds most prescribed drugs – Statins, including the benefits and possible risks/side effects.

Although statins have no adverse reactions to the majority of patients, there will always be a tiny minority that does experience some side effects. The most common of these side effects being digestive problems, which usually diminish over time.

A more comprehensive report on statins side effects can be read on our home page.

Another side effect that has been documented and studied over the years is that of statins and memory loss. Although this condition is extremely rare, it can be serious when it does occur and patients should be aware of the possibilities..

If you do some research on the internet regarding the relationship of statins and memory loss, you will find many conflicting arguments. Some studies have actually indicated some statins actually help with memory.

A recent study in France discovered that lower levels of HDL – ‘good cholesterol’ is correlated with declining memory and dementia, in which case taking statins would tend to help with cognitive skills. It is thought that HDL helps memory with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Statins act in the same fashion which would therefore aid a person’s memory, or at least slow the decline in memory loss.

The Mayo Clinic’s website says that there is no evidence that links statin use with memory loss or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Without any substantial findings and identifiable links between statins and memory loss, it is difficult to form a case for the to be banned.

I suspect that as with any type of drug, a tiny number of people may react badly to it and suffer various side effects. Statin is no different and the potential benefits to the people who need to take them as a life saving drug, certainly outweigh the tiny risks they pose.