Statins may help reduce bad memories

For a number of years there have been reports concerning the loss of memory, as well as muscle pains associated with the use of a group of medications called statins.  These drugs have been well known and widely prescribed to millions of people to help reduce cholesterol.  At least 32 million people in the US take these medications in the hopes that they will ward off a multitude of illnesses.  In the UK it is estimated that 5 million people take statins.

Cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease and can lead to myocardial infarctions, commonly called heart attacks.  Another risk associated with the build up of cholesterol in plaques is that of stroke.

In March of 2012 the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) alerted the public that the entire class of statin drugs would be receiving new warnings in its labeling. The new label will warn that memory loss and confusion is associated with use of statins.  Additionally the labels will be updated to inform the public that statins can cause an increase in blood sugars called hyperglycemia and an increase in the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

With the above changes, the FDA is also removing its recommendation for routine and periodic monitoring of liver functioning.  Before patients start treatment with statins it is still recommended to get   liver enzyme tests (LFTs).

Cholesterol, however, is not all bad.  It is also not only from food; only 25% comes from diet.  The liver and other cells create approximately 75% of blood cholesterol.  There is good cholesterol, which is HDL and then bad cholesterol, also known as LDL.

Cholesterol is an important substance for normal functioning in the body.  Some people, however, have an increased risk of elevated cholesterol associated with genes that are inherited.  Others may have the ability to moderate their cholesterol through diet and exercise.

According to some investigators, a large number of patients do not achieve the desired goal of reduction in cholesterol levels after six months of treatment.