Research from G. Li and co-researchers in the area of Alzheimer disease described
2007 NOV 19 -- According to recent research from the United States, "Treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors (''statins'') has been associated in some epidemiologic studies with reduced risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, direct evidence of statin effects on neuropathologic markers of AD is lacking." "We investigated whether antecedent statin exposure is associated with neuritic plaque (NP) or neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) burden in a population-based sample of human subjects Brain autopsies were performed on 110 subjects, ages 65 to 79 years, who were cognitively normal at enrollment into the Adult Changes in Thought Study. Neuropathologic findings were compared between statin users with >= 3 prescriptions of >= 15 pills of simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin vs nonusers, based on pharmacy dispensing records After controlling for age at death, gender, cognitive function at study entry, brain weight, and presence of cerebral microvascular lesions, the odds ratio (OR) for each unit increase in Braak NFT stage in statin users vs nonusers was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.20 to 0.95). The OR for each unit increase in Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) staging of NPs did not deviate significantly from unity (OR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.52). However, the risk for typical AD pathology (Braak stage >= IV and CERAD rating >= moderate) was reduced in statin users (OR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.86) These findings demonstrate an association between antecedent statin use and neurofibrillary tangle burden at autopsy," wrote G. Li and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Additional study is needed to examine whether statin use may be causally related to decreased development of Alzheimer disease-related neuropathologic changes." Li and colleagues published their study in Neurology (Statin therapy is associated with reduced neuropathologic changes of Alzheimer disease. Neurology, 2007;69(9):878-885). For additional information, contact G. Li, VA Puget Sound Health Care Systems, Center Geriatric Research Education & Clinic, 1660 S Columbian Way, Mail Code S-116 6 E, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Neurology is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Keywords: United States, Seattle, Alzheimer Disease. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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