Statins and Memory Loss
What are Statins?
Statins are a family of drugs used to help normalize cholesterol levels. Statins are plant-derived, and have proven extremely effective in reducing cholesterol levels and helping prevent heart disease. Some commonly prescribed drugs in this group include Lipitor®, Zocor®, and Crestor®.
With the prevalence of high cholesterol and subsequent heart disease in the United States, Statins have become one of the most commonly prescribed types of drugs in the country, with several million people undergoing treatment with this family of medication.
The link between Statins and memory loss
While Statins tend to be well-tolerated by most people, some do experience side effects. The most common side effects of Statins are digestive difficulties, including indigestion and diarrhea. These side effects are usually not severe, and sometimes will diminish over time.
Another side effect occasionally associated with Statin-based drugs is memory loss. While this side effect is rare, it can be serious when it does occur. If you believe you or a loved one might be suffering from severe memory loss due to a Statin medication, consult your physician immediately. Don’t stop taking your medications, or change your dosages, without the approval of a professional.
Solutions to memory loss from Statins
If you find yourself experiencing minor memory loss that might be due to Statins, there are several ways to help improve your brain function. Good nutrition and exercise can not only lower your cholesterol levels naturally, but can also lower your stress levels and keep your brain nourished with the energy and nutrients it requires, both of which will help increase your brain power.
Brain games have become increasingly popular recently, from sudoku books to popular video games that can help increase your mental focus as well as computational and memory skills. Any of these can help counteract memory loss and keep your brain in tip-top condition.
Nutritional supplements specifically formulated to enhance brain power can also be helpful. Consult with your physician before taking any supplements in addition to your cholesterol medication to avoid possible interactions between the medication and the supplements.
Constant Focus provides several compounds that can help increase brain power and prevent memory loss. Among these are Ginkgo biloba, Vinpocetine, and Huperzia serrata. These powerful herbal supplements can increase circulation, reduce stress, and help prevent the breakdown of important neurotransmitters. If you are suffering from memory loss related to use of Statins, ask your physician if you can use a supplement like Constant Focus to help restore your natural brain power.
Lipitor® is a registered trademark of Pfizer.
Zocor® is a registered trademark of Merck.
Crestor® is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
