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Statins in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
(May 2006)

Several studies suggest, but do not prove, that statin drugs, given to lower blood cholesterol levels, may also lower the risk of developing Alzheimer Disease. A recent French study of 342 Alzheimer patients supports the potential of this group of drugs. Patients, average 73 years of age, were divided into three groups: 129 treated for high cholesterol levels with statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs; 105 with high cholesterol levels who were not treated; and 108 who had normal cholesterol levels. Over a three-year period, those given cholesterol-lowering drugs had a statistically significant lower rate of progression as determined by using a single standard test for mental function in demented persons. Although a direct comparison was not made, it appears likely the other cholesterol-lowering drugs were as effective as statins. The evidence also suggested that the drugs were not acting through their cholesterol-lowering effects.

Commentary: This treatment study is reviewed because it adds to the evidence that statin drugs have an effect on Alzheimer Disease. Although it is an Alzheimer treatment study, it gives support to the possibility that statins, and perhaps other cholesterol-lowering drugs, may offer some protection against the development of Alzheimer’s, a terrible disease that affects about four million Americans. These drugs have multiple actions aside from cholesterol lowering. What is needed now are multiple well-designed studies to determine:

- Whether statins really do offer protection against the development of Alzheimer’s and, if they do, how much.

- Whether other cholesterol-lowering agents have similar protective effects.

- The mechanisms related to any demonstrated protective effects and how much of the protection, if any, is somehow related to the cholesterol-lowering capacities of the statins (or other drugs)

Any drug that potentially can reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s deserves careful study. As our society ages, Alzheimer’s will pose an ever-increasing threat. The disease increases in frequency with age; at least 25 percent of those age 85 and older will have dementia, most due to Alzheimer’s, the rest as a consequence of vascular disease of the brain. At present, about four million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. If we cannot learn how to prevent it, the numbers afflicted are predicted to grow to more than thirteen million by 2030.

Masse, I., et al. Lipid lowering agents are associated with a slower cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Vol 76. Pgs 1624-1629. 2005.