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The Effect of Statins on Rate of Cognitive Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Kyle B Smith1, Paul Kang2, Marwan N Sabbagh1
1Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix AZ.
Objective:
This study's aims are to identify whether or not a relationship between statin use and rate of cognitive decline exists.
Background:
The relationship between statins and MCI has been investigated in the past with the evidence showing mixed results.
Methods:
768 subjects were identified with MCI. Subjects were stratified into 6 possible groups according to ApoE4 status and statin use and assessed for decline in cognitive function.
Results:
All cognitive assessments trended towards less decline with statin use. ADAS11 showed the biggest difference in mean change between statin users and nonusers (-0.82 vs. -1.22 respectively). Change reached marginal significance on the ADAS11 when stratified by ApoE4 negative subjects.
Conclusion:
All cognitive assessments trended towards less decline when subjects were concurrently treated with a statin, supporting the position that statins do not have a net negative effect on cognitive assessment and suggests a potential treatment benefit.
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