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Statin therapy for Alzheimer's disease: will it work?
Suzana S Petanceska1, Steven DeRosa, Vicki Olm
1Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Dementia Research Group, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA. petances@nki.rfmh.org
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience : MN
|September 6, 2002
Summary
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) significantly reduced amyloid beta deposition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This suggests cholesterol-lowering statins may offer a disease-modifying therapy for AD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology involves amyloid beta (A beta) peptide accumulation.
- Cholesterol metabolism is linked to AD, suggesting cholesterol-lowering drugs may be therapeutic.
- Epidemiological studies indicate statin use may decrease AD prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the disease-modifying potential of statins in Alzheimer's disease.
- To determine the effect of atorvastatin on brain amyloidosis in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the PSAPP transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's amyloidosis.
- Administered atorvastatin (Lipitor) to the mouse model.
- Assessed the impact of atorvastatin on brain A beta deposition.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin treatment markedly attenuated A beta deposition in the PSAPP mouse model.
- Demonstrated a preclinical effect of a specific statin on a key AD biomarker.
Conclusions:
- Statins, specifically atorvastatin, show promise as disease-modifying agents for Alzheimer's disease.
- Preclinical data support further investigation of statins for AD treatment and prevention.