Statins suspected of leading to stupidity

The latest concerns about statin-combination drugs, prescribed to reduce the amount of cholesterol that the body absorbs from the food ingested, raised a question of their necessity and efficacy.

Photo: Statins suspected of leading to stupidity

Some scientists take a skeptical view of the need for many people to require statin treatment. The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics is a group that has questioned the "lipid hypothesis" that supports cholesterol lowering as a preventive measure for heart disease, and has argued that statins - especially at higher doses - may not be as beneficial or safe as suggested. Similarly, some authors argue that recommendations for the expanded use of statins to stave off cardiovascular disease are not supported by evidence.

The recent study showed that statins did not reduce the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries -- progression toward heart disease, and there is no evidence that statins prolong the lives of many people who use them.

The scientists also raised the question of whether statin drugs have cognitive side effects leading to vague thinking and forgetfulness. This effect is common among women, creating a new generation of stupid women.

The scientists have gathered multiple complaints from patients taking statins such as: being unable to remember the name of a grandchild, walking into a room and forgetting why you are there, or starting a sentence and being unable to finish, personality changes or irritability.

Professional guidelines generally require that the patient has tried a cholesterol-lowering diet before statin use is considered; statins or other pharmacologic agents may then be recommended for patients who do not meet their lipid-lowering goals through diet and lifestyle approaches.