In addition to the newest edict from the FDA noting "all statins must carry warnings about increased risks of elevated blood sugar ( onset of diabetes type II) and possible transient memory and cognition problems", I think it important to recall use of statins in another neurodegenerative disease: (I am always impressed with how quickly unwanted/unpopular information is forgotten as this study of statins and ALS. The lack of media coverage of this study was also impressive--as opposed to the meta analysis addressed in this post, about "moderate" thou not statistically significant decreased incidence of PD )




Published in: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Volume 9, Issue 4 2008 , pages 223 - 228




Abstract
Statin medications for elevated cholesterol are one of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine if statin medications affect the rate of disease progression, the severity and frequency of muscle cramping, and serum CK levels in patients with ALS. We conducted a prospective cohort study in patients diagnosed with ALS with statin medication as the predetermined exposure variable and the rate of decline of the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) as the primary outcome. One hundred and sixty-four consecutive patients with laboratory supported probable, clinically probable, or clinically definite ALS were evaluated from January 2006 to September 2007. Thirty-two patients (20%) were taking statin medications and 132 were in the control group. After adjusting for covariates, we found a highly significant increase in the rate of decline in the ALSFRS-R for the statin group (1.71 units/month) compared to the control group (1.05 units/month, p<0.0001) representing a 63% increase in the rate of functional decline. Patients on statin therapy also reported a significant increase in muscle cramp frequency and severity (p<0.0001). This study has demonstrated a strong association between statin medications and an increased rate of functional decline and muscle cramping in patients with ALS. Although this association does not prove a causal relationship, it is prudent to exercise caution and discuss discontinuation or replacement of statin medications in patients with ALS.