--statins might, indirectly, help to prevent neuropathy through thier other effects--namely, the lowering of cholesterol and the mitigation of the cluster of symptoms that make up metabolic syndrome. If one can keep vessels from becoming clogged with circulation lessening cholesterol deposits--and statins work on all blood vessels, not just th coronary arteries--then one has less chance of having a circulation loss that would result in fewer nutrients getting to nerve, fewer wastes being carried out, and a dimunition in nerve function leading to neuropathic symptoms. In that sense, statins may have a protective effect. (And hypertriglyceridemia is associated with small-fiber neuropathy.)

I still think, though, in keeping with the OTHER evidence of side effects in some that include muscle/nerve breakdown, it would be prudent for most to try other cholesterol level-lowering avenues first (from fiber to niacin to fish oil to exercise).