Statins did not help protect against Alzheimer 's disease in a study released in 2008 . Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins are often hailed as `` wonder drugs . '' But a study published in the January 2008 issue of the journal Neurology says they do n't protect the brain against Alzheimer 's disease . What is Alzheimer 's ? Dr. Sanjay Gupta , CNN chief medical correspondent : Alzheimer 's disease is a progressive , neurodegenerative disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps ( amyloid plaques ) and tangled bundles of fibers ( neurofibrillary tangles ) made up of misplaced proteins . These plaques and tangles destroy cognition , personality and the ability to function . Sometimes forgetfulness and loss of concentration are confused with normal aging , the single biggest risk factor for Alzheimer 's disease . But an autopsy is always going to give you a definitive measure of the disease . How was the study done ? Gupta : Fairly large observational study looked at some 900 members of the clergy -- priests and nuns . Some were taking statins , some not . Not only did patients undergo cognitive tests for 12 years , but they also agreed to a brain autopsy when they died . The conclusion here , supported by these autopsies , is that statins did not help protect against Alzheimer 's disease , a finding somewhat contrary to the prevailing wisdom in this area of Alzheimer 's research . We spoke to the head of Alzheimer 's research at Mayo Clinic . He said that first , this is a population of nuns and priests -- would it be different in folks who take statins but also smoke and drink ? Maybe . He also said , when you get right down to it , the numbers of folks in the study that both took statins and had autopsies is pretty small . Still , he said he knows these researchers well and they are good , just not the last word . And of course , there 's the compelling question : Why would statins affect Alzheimer 's disease ? There are a few schools of thought about the mechanism : Some think statins cross the blood-brain barrier , decreasing cholesterol levels and amyloid levels . Others think they work by lowering overall inflammation in the body . What about other benefits of statins ? Does this undermine their `` wonder drug '' status ? While this study clearly questions the neuroprotective effects against dementia and Alzheimer 's disease , scientists believe they are just beginning to uncover potential new benefits of statins . The most immediately promising benefit of statins appears to be their anti-inflammatory properties , which help stabilize the lining of blood vessels . This has potentially far-reaching effects , from the brain and heart to blood vessels and organs throughout the body . Other benefits of statins may include prevention of arthritis and bone fractures , prevention of colon cancer and protection of the kidneys . But we should note , while tolerated well by most people , they do have side effects , including two potentially serious ones : . • Liver damage : Occasionally , statin use causes an increase in liver enzymes and may cause liver damage . • Muscle problems : Statins may cause muscle pain and tenderness ( statin myopathy ) . Also , there are some gastrointestinal issues , including nausea , diarrhea and constipation . Are there ways other than statins to lower cholesterol ? The simple B vitamin niacin raises good cholesterol , but there 's an interesting side effect : Some forms of niacin , especially in high doses -- 1,000 milligrams or more -- do cause temporary flushing of the skin . While annoying , flushing is not harmful . Aspirin can counteract this flushing effect . Versions of niacin with reduced flushing effects also are available by prescription . Also , studies have shown exercise in general , especially in overweight people , can improve HDL levels . There is some evidence that strength-training exercises that build muscle mass can also improve HDL . Of course , diet . Saturated fats are one of the biggest contributors to cholesterol in the body . A diet high in saturated fat raises bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol -- so knock that off !
Bottom Line : The only way to get a handle on the situation is by looking at what happened in the past and how it could happen again.