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Important Notice: The Forum does not endorse any medical
product or therapy. ALL medications and supplements
should be taken ONLY under the supervision of a physician,
due to the possibility of side-effects, drug interactions,
etc.
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Name:
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Statins
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Development Status:
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investigational in U.S.
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FDA Phase:
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Phase II/IIa/IIb
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Primary Medical Role:
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Statins are HMG co-A reductase inhibitors that are use to
lower an elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
levels. They have been shown to reduce myocardial
infarction, coronary deaths and overall mortality.
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Role in Alzheimer's Disease:
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A multi-center analysis of over 60,000 patients indicated
a decreased prevalence of AD in patients taking lovastatin
and pravastatin, two statin drugs commonly used in
lowering cholesterol. Reductions in cholesterol by statins
might alter APP metabolism and thus reduce the production
of A-beta. Statins have also been shown to have
immunomodulatory effects, blocking the ability of a
cytokine called interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to activate T-
cells. Statins might therefore have a neuro-protective
effect by lowering inflammation. Several studies have also
indicated that therapy with statins may reduce lipoprotein
oxidation and ameliorate free radical injury.
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Pharmacological Role:
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Statins are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-
coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the catalyze the
conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, an early and rate-
limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis.
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Evidence pro its efficacy:
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Retrospective studies show an association between taking
statins and reduced prevalence of Alzheimer's disease.
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Notes:
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See latest news
from the 2002 World Alzheimer Congress.
One statin drug, Lipitor®, is currently in Phase II
clinical trial for the treatment of AD. Statins currently
in the market are: atorvastatin (Lipitor®), cerivastatin
(Baycol®), fluvastatin (Lescol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®),
pravastatin (Pravachol®), simvastatin (Zocor®).
Related ARF News
Cholesterol Again
Linked with Alzheimer's
Cellular
Compartments Provide New Wrinkle—and a New Target?—in
Cholesterol
Statins Reveal Role
in Immune Response
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Simons M, Schwärzler F, Lütjohann D, von Bergmann K,
Beyreuther K, Dichgans J, Wormstall H, Hartmann T, Schulz
JB. Treatment with simvastatin in normocholesterolemic
patients with Alzheimer's disease: A 26-week randomized,
placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Ann Neurol. 2002
Sep; 52(3):346-50. Abstract
Hajjar I, Schumpert J, Hirth V, Wieland D, Eleazer GP. The
impact of the use of statins on the prevalence of dementia
and the progression of cognitive impairment. J Gerontol A
Biol Sci Med Sci. 2002 Jul;57(7):M414-8. Abstract
Paris D, Townsend KP, Humphrey J, Obregon DF, Yokota K,
Mullan M. Statins inhibit A beta-neurotoxicity in vitro
and A beta-induced vasoconstriction and inflammation in
rat aortae. Atherosclerosis. 2002 Apr;161(2):293-9. Abstract
Das UN. Estrogen, statins, and polyunsaturated fatty
acids: similarities in their actions and benefits-is there
a common link? Nutrition. 2002 Feb;18(2):178-88. Abstract
Hartmann T. Cholesterol, A beta and Alzheimer's disease.
Trends Neurosci. 2001 Nov;24(11 Suppl):S45-8. Abstract
Delanty N, Vaughan CJ, Sheehy N. Statins and
neuroprotection. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2001 Oct;10
(10):1847-53. Abstract
Cucchiara B, Kasner SE. Use of statins in CNS disorders.
J Neurol Sci. 2001 Jun 15;187(1-2):81-9. Abstract
Scott HD, Laake K. Statins for the prevention of
Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;
(4):CD003160. Abstract
Scott HD, Laake K. Statins for the reduction of risk of
Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;
(3):CD003160. Abstract
Jick H, Zornberg GL, Jick SS, Seshadri S, Drachman DA.
Statins and the risk of dementia. Lancet. 2000 Nov 11;356
(9242):1627-31. Abstract
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