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Statins
The Alzheimer's Association is of the opinion that no one should take
statins specifically to lower the risk of AD until further research clarifies
the relationship between statins and dementia. We think that recent research
indicates that statins should be used more extensively, even, in women,
with consideration given just to Alzheimer's. Elizabeth Devore's work
at the Channing Laboratory at Harvard Medical School (July, 2004) found
that HDL levels are clearly related to the risk of Alzheimer's in women.
High LDL levels have been linked to Alzheimer's risk. In addition, high
LDL levels also seem to favor deposition of beta-amyloid, the major component
of the senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's. An earlier 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.
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).
The APOE gene controls synthesis of apolipoprotein, which
transports cholesterol in the blood. People with two copies of the APOE4
variety of this gene have higher concentrations of low-density lipoprotein
(LDL, so-called "bad cholesterol" because it increases risk of heart attack).
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