SUN CITY, Ariz., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin slowed down mental decline and helped depressive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a U.S. study found.
D. Larry Sparks of the Roberts Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Ariz., presented the findings at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2004.
The Alzheimer's Disease Cholesterol-Lowering Treatment Trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, involved physicians administering the statin drug in addition to the cholinesterase inhibitors the patients were already taking.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are the only U.S. government-approved therapy for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. The drugs inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a transmitter that is decreased in Alzheimer's patients and thought to be related to mental decline.
Fifty-three percent of the atorvastatin-treated group improved or stabilized, while 28 percent of those taking placebo improved or stabilized.
After a year, the patients taking atorvastatin exhibited a significant improvement in their symptoms of depression, while the placebo group showed a decline.
