A systematic review of available evidence (low- to moderate-strength) did not find a link between statin use and adverse cognitive outcomes, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Recently, the FDA issued a warning after case reports suggested that statin use may lead to cognitive impairment. Researchers reviewed 25 published randomized, controlled trials and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies evaluating cognition inpatients taking statins.
Among statin users, low-quality evidence suggests no increased incidence of Alzheimer disease and no difference in cognitive performance in procedural memory, attention, or motor speed. Moderate-quality evidence suggests no increased incidence of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, nor any changes in cognitive performance.
The researchers note that the strength of the available evidence is limited, especially with regard to high-dose statins. They conclude that larger, better-designed studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the effect of statins on cognition.