statin drugs and memory loss

is lipitor or other statin drugs for cholesterol related to memory loss?  what are other cholesterol medications available which will not have this side effect?

[Flycaster305]

I'd ask this question directly with your doctor.  I can't find anything on the warnings that come with the prescription that deals with memory loss  The internet is filled with misinformation about statins.  I listened to all the statin horror stories right up to the day that I had my heart attack, and stayed with my misconceptions through a second one and some stents before I got smart.  Listen to the health pros.    

[Barbarella]

I tried the "alternatives" for one solid year, and my cholesterol only dropped 20 points. I alwasy eat very healthy, no junk food, in my case my high cholesterol is not from eating the wrong food. After one year  I still had a total cholesterol of 306.  I too read the horror stories on the internet and was scared to death.  I've been taken 20mg of Zocor for the last 4 yrs with no side effects whatsoever.  Yet if I only take one aspirin, even the coated ones or a baby aspirin my stomach lining is on fire.

A friend of mine who is not taking statins because her cholesterol is normal, but had memory loss and the doctor found out that she had a vitamin B12 deficiency.  She is now getting the B12 shots  and her memory is almost back to normal.

To quickly every symptom is blamed on statins.  Sure there are people who cannot tolerate them, I cannot tolerate an aspirin, but can tolerate Zocor.

Every drug, even herbal medicine can have side effects, but that does not mean that you will get a side effect.

[Jack54]

See this web site:

Duane Graveline MD MPH
Former USAF Flight Surgeon
Former NASA Astronaut
Retired Family Doctor

http://www.spacedoc.net

[Barbarella]

I saw that website long before you posted it.  Matter of fact over 4 yrs ago, and it added to my fear of taking statins.  What happened to him doesn't mean it will happen to  me or others.  

Even aspirin can have deadly side effects.  

What are people suppose to do who have super high cholesterol?? And can't get it down with natural supplements or with diet and exercise??  I tried that for one year.  My cholesterol was still TC 306 and my LDL was 231.  What are people like me suppose to do??  Play russian roulette, and gamble with our high cholesterol because some people have serious side effects from the statins??  If a person has a side effect and has to quit that is one thing, but I don't think we should scare people who have not even tried the statins.  

I do realize that doctors like to put people on statins right away when their cholesterol is slightly elevated, but I also do realize that Scientists who come out with these books about how cholesterol is not that dangerous usually have some hatred toward MD's.  I read all of these books before I started taking Zocor, its one thing to report findings, but its another thing the way they report it, the sarcasm toward the doctors/MD's tells me that there is more than informing us the public.  I've my thoughts, but I will keep them to myself.

[Barbarella]

Since you do not have the balls to post this on the doctor forum I ask again what is in it for you???  With your obsession of posting this??  You never stated that you had side effects of statins nor did you state that any of your loved ones/friends have/had side effects I wonder what is in it for you with your advertising and obsession????   I was born at night, but it was not last night and you are not fooling me.

[Barbarella]

And my last word is then why did medhelp DELETE all the posts by razwell??????  Because as you say "some people have brains"

[Jack54]

Barb dear, as I have said before, I have hyperlipidemia and WOULD LOVE to be able to tolerate statins. They would probably add years to my life!!!!

I have just seen where little elderly Ladies, with normal to barely high cholesterol, were prescribed statin meds by their doctor. They would not question anything prescribed to them by their doctor. After 2-3 years of suffering with the adverse reactions of statins, they would finally post on a forum like this, and ask if anyone else had had some of the same adverse effects. Some of these ladies thought their arthritis had worsened, muscles had become sore and why they could not figure out.

This is not an insignificant thing Barb....This elderly Lady lost 1-2 years of health in her later years. THIS is all I am trying to prevent.

Everyone does not have a high IQ, such as yourself. They need information from others. They do not have time to read all the books you have read :)

Statins ARE LIFE SAVERS!!!!! Peace Barb please and have a great day :)

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Teko :)  thank you so much for saying what I am trying to say, yet so much better. The contrast between your husband and sister is exactly what I was trying to show, except all are not as smart as your husband :)

My best to you,

Jack
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Pepbus have a look at this website. It is where we as patients can report adverse reactions to medicines, not only from statins but drugs from A-Z. I check this site after starting a new med that seems to be giving me trouble. Some who post there are fair at putting pen to paper, and others are not, lol.

http://www.askapatient.com/index.asp

[Tarheelguy1967]

I was going to post something, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was?!?!?!?!  Has anyone seen my Lipitor???  LOL

Actually, I've had no probs w/ Lipitor and consider it a life saver.  Helped lower my cholesterol from 370-ish to 120.  All my levels (HDL/LDL) are within acceptible ranges for the first time.  Most drugs I've taken have some serious side effects.  Guess we all just have to make the decision if the risk is worth the gain.  For me it was, but I luckily didn't have the side effects.  If I did, I'm sure I wouldn't be a fan.  Teko, you're right - time will tell, but I sure hope itdoesn't prove me to be wrong for taking it......but I imagine w/o them I wouldn't have all that much time anyway.  Best of luck to all.

[Barbarella]

Jack, I'm in no way advertising, pushing or promoting statins.  If you read my posts you will see that I mentioned that I do realize that some people cannot take statins.  That I too was scared stiff like some people are of statins, but I just didn't want to keep on walking around with super high cholesterol.  Had I gotton side effects I'd have stopped immediately, and hope for the best.  I'm still hoping for the best now as side effects of any drugs can come as late as months to one year later.

Why did medhelp delete Razwells's posts??  Why wasn't he allowed to give this information on here?

No need to say 'Peace out" I am not at war :)

[Tarheelguy1967]

Not a big conspiracy theory fan - prefer a more balanced approach to life.

[Nancy T]

Is there any kind of "consensus" on when memory loss with statins would begin to occur, if it's going to? Days, weeks, months after starting the statin? What kind of memory loss?

[Flycaster305]

Your question is well taken.  When my blood tests came back on the shaky side after taking Lipitor I found the space docs site... however, studying it carefully, the science wasn't there, only the opinion. My doctor suggested I cut out the second and third glass of wine, I did so and my blood tests came out perfect!  That was a couple of years years ago.  I'm now taking Vitorin 10/40 with even better cholesterol scores and perfect blood tests, and by gosh, even approaching my 70's, I can find my way home!  I was proven wrong twice about statins.  

[Nancy T]

Thanks, Flycaster. I have minor problems with ear-related dizziness, which affects my concentration and thinking ability somewhat, and this is worse when I've had plenty of sleep (yes, that's WORSE when I sleep more than usual). I'm blaming too much sleep and relaxation these days for my current slight lapses--nothing too unusual, really. I've been on simvastatin for two weeks now and no problems.

[Yvette BG]

About changing blood lipid levels, have you tried the "One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus" multi-vitamin (purple label)? I had been taking one tablet a day as directed, along with 50 mgs grapeseed (one pill, 2-3 times a day) and 2 or 3 fish oil tablets a day. My HDL went up and my triglcerides went down,
and I think these tablets may have helped. They are not for everyone, particularly if you're on blood thinners (Coumadin/ Warfarin, etc.) because the supplements can interfere and cause potential bleeding. But it might be worth a try. The One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus is also designed to help bring blood pressure down. I've checked with a cardiac nurse, dietitian, and my doctor, and they didn't see any problem with the ingredients in these for me. (I'm just on a 1/2 tablet of a 25 mg beta blocker at the present time). If you're thinking about this, check with your doctor before proceeding. Good luck,
Anita