Veggie Blog

In his search of the medical and scientific literature for an explanation for his own statin associated transient global amnesia this former astronaut and retired family doctor reveals to his readers the critical importance of cholesterol for proper brain function and memory and the reasons for the damage statin drugs do to our muscles, nerves and heart and even our personalities.

This book, by a highly qualified MD and scientist, is timely considering the fact that statins are being promoted heavily for ever more people.

This book must be regarded as essential reading by all who prescribe statins, by all who take statins and by all who are advised to take statins.

Who is the author, according to the description?

The description calls him a former astronaut and retired family doctor, and “a highly qualified MD and scientist”, without naming him. The closing lines of the description are a recommendation, not a summary.

What prompted the book?

The description says the author searched the medical and scientific literature for an explanation for his own statin-associated transient global amnesia, a sudden episode of memory loss.

What does the description claim about cholesterol and statins?

It says cholesterol is critically important for brain function and memory, and that statin drugs damage muscles, nerves, the heart and even personality. Those are the description’s claims, not ours.

Summary of the book description only, not medical advice.

What do health agencies say about statins and memory?

Statins are prescription drugs that lower LDL cholesterol. The MedlinePlus page on statins says studies show they lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high LDL cholesterol, that most people have no side effects, and that liver damage is very rare.

On memory, the FDA Drug Safety Communication on statin labels (2012, archived copy) added information to statin labels in 2012: reported memory loss and confusion were generally not serious and went away once the drug was stopped, and the FDA said the heart benefits still outweigh these small risks. A 2023 American Heart Association scientific statement on LDL lowering and the brain concluded that most observational studies and the randomized trials do not support a link with dementia, though some studies had suggested one.

What is transient global amnesia?

The Cleveland Clinic page on transient global amnesia describes it as a rare, sudden episode of memory loss that clears within 24 hours, usually in people aged 50 to 80. Sudden memory loss needs urgent medical care to rule out something more serious.

If you take a statin and have questions, or notice memory changes, talk to your doctor. Do not stop the medicine on your own, as MedlinePlus also advises.

Related reading on this blog: Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers: What the Test Shows and What to Do and What Is Cholesterol? Where It Comes From and Why Too Much Is a Problem

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