In this video I discuss whether or not Atorvastatin and other statins cause dementia or short term memory loss, and how I deal with this issue in my practice.
My parents, both with no known family history of dementia, both died after heartbreakingly long battles with this disease. We have no way of truly knowing why, but they both were on statins for literally decades. So, I go to my well-meaning Dr and she tells me "Your cholesterol is riding a little high, you need to start a statin" I was like - no way doc. She says "you want to die of a stroke or something? I say "4ell yeah I want to die of a stroke if it means no dementia."
My hypothesis is simple. 1. Statins remove cholesterol from your body through your digestive tract. 2. The brain is mostly cholesterol. 3. Some of the cholesterol removed is from your brain. 4. You take statins and you shit your brain out. 5. Don't use statins. I'm just some random guy on the Internet. Do your own research. Develop your own hypothesis. Enjoy a long and happy life.
I was on Atorvastatin for over ten years. By the time I finally quit taking it I was getting lost on my way to work and even in my own back yard. After more than two years off the drug I know I would rather die than ever take another statin ever again.
hi. I am now almost a year on statin. I am experiencing short memory loss. when you stopped using statins, was everything back to normal? if so ,how long did it take? thanks
Atorvastatin caused me brain fog and definitely, without a doubt, caused me short-term memory loss. The side effects of this drug are worse than the positive effects that it may have.
Atorvastatin gives me muscle and joint pain and definitely affects my cognition negatively. I’ve just stopped and everything’s improving. I’m back to using diet to lover cholesterol.
Yesterday Dr. Barry of Tennessee shared a report that he read about all statins causing dementia problems he suggested that people call their doctor and discuss this matter with them. Losing weight Dr. Jason Fung FUNG will explain intermittent fasting whichAllows the body to cleanse itself. Intermittent fasting has been shown to be the answer with timed eating plans and not eating three meals a day the timing of the food into your body matters please check out Dr. Jason FUNG of Canada
You don't want cholesterol too low when taking Statin. Please be careful. Cholesterol should not be less than 150 and LDL should not be less than 60. They are needed for our brain. Also, cholesterol does not cause heart disease regardless of the numbers. Yes, cholesterol can form a plaque in the artery, but that's not because of cholesterol itself, it what caused it. It's high blood sugar and oxidative damage to the blood vessel. So it wouldn't matter what the number is. Even patients with cholesterol below 150 can still get another plaque in the artery. We should be looking at the cause of clogged arteries, not the cause of high cholesterol. But Statin can be useful only in the short term and only when absolutely necessary and not in the longer term for prevention.
Finally someone who is up on the latest research the drug companies do not want the public to know. It’s chronic elevated blood sugar and systemic inflammation from seed oils that cause the micro tears in the arteries (blood sugar is highest directly in the heart from the liver) As a result of the Nico tears in the arteries cholesterol comes in to form a patch. 30+ years of poor diet and blood sugar spikes you end up with a clog from the cycle of inflammation and patch, not from consuming animal fats or cholesterol. Naturally big pharma who make billions off statins and big agricultural who push and promote their cheap oils, sugar and grains do not want the consumers to know this info. I am a Physical Therapist with 25 years experience in nursing homes and the correlation to dementia and wide spread statin use is undeniable. It took years to catch up but memory diagnosis like Alzheimer’s l, dementia and early onset dementia is mind boggling the past 10 years and only increasing.
@@michaell3711 he’s exactly right. Do your research. The whole statin and cholesterol narrative is a scam. Statins do not clean out arteries. Things like fish oil and lemon do. All statins do is prevent the liver from creating endogenous cholesterol which also prevents the body from repairing itself, specially repairing the brain which is just a big glob of cholesterol. Arteries get blocked for two reasons. One because of calcium bleached out from bone in the body due to a vitamin K2 deficiency, the other is oxidation and inflammation in the arteries usually caused by too many seed oils like canola, corn and soybean oil. The inflammation causes lesions in the arteries and then the body sends cholesterol in to repair the arteries so the blood doesn’t leak out. But overtime multiple repairs cause scar tissue in the arteries causing them to shrink overtime. So the real problem is inflammation which is to a great extent caused by sugar and seed oils.
my cardiologist told me only take Atorvastatin for 6 months and not a whole year, maybe because I only had a small heart attack and one stent put In my blood vessels.
Atorvastatin ruined my life . Yes, they do cause many proble😢ms. Tacking it for years with a gradual memory problems and severe pain in my legs. Telling my doctor, i got a shrug. Stopped taking the Atorvastatin and was surprised by the multitude of problems that it had been causing me. It takes some time to get it out of your system.
A study published in 2021 found that: "Among subjects with early mild cognitive impairment and low to moderate serum cholesterol levels at baseline, lipophilic statin use was associated with more than double the risk of converting to dementia over eight years of follow-up compared with statin non-use, and with highly significant decline in metabolism of posterior cingulate cortex -- the region of the brain known to decline the most significantly in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease."
My wife refuses to stop her statin drug use... She has bad short term memory loss... But the doctor scared her so much, that she won't listen to me... I really don't know what to do at this point... I stopped taking Statin drugs at least 15 years ago... 3 times I ruptured a tendon doing my normal work... Three different brands of Statin drugs... I will never take another Statin drug... I'm 74 years old and I still go to work every day...
@@NightingaleNews Here's a link to a short video on that study: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TtD7O7CRNms.html. Here's the study in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine: jnm.snmjournals.org/content/62/supplement_1/102
My experience is that once the doctor prescribes a statin, you're on it for the rest of your life. I took it for many years, but finally decided to stop taking in. As I recall, you have to take Co Q10 while taking a statin to compensate for something the statin is doing to your body. I'm 80. Maybe it was helpful ... maybe not.
If it causes muscle aches, what's it doing to the heart?? 😮 Our brains need cholesterol, what happens to our brains when we have low cholesterol? This is very concerning to me.
I was placed on statins after a stroke even though I did not have high cholesterol or vascular problems. I had a weak leg after the stroke, but found both legs were struggling to walk and felt a force against movement. I also suffered memory problems with simple things such as how to make a cup of tea or turn the hop on. After stopping statin intake against my Drs advice I have no memory issues and can walk much easier.
Thanks for your comment Lynda. There are alternatives for people who are intolerant of statins. Medications such as Repatha, Praluent, Nexletol, and Leqvio are all possible (but expensive) possibilities. Ezetimibe is not very strong but it is inexpensive. Probably the best supplement for cholesterol is Berberine. Best wishes for your recovery!
Lipitor gave me massive memory issues. I could not function in my job as a tech industry executive. I quit the drug, and my memory came back in about 6 weeks to 100%. My cardiologist told me he had similar experience. I don’t think the % of people affected is as low as you say it is. I think the problem is that a lot of people taking the drugs are not ultra high performers(executive or cardiologist), so they don’t use their brains at a level that it is noticed.
I don't think you need to be a high performer to notice mental issues with a statin. The problems I had while on Lipitor/Atorvastatin were very mundane, like being unable to carry on a conversation or remember people's names.
The rosuvastatin really affected my memory and i was on a low dose of 40 mg i was getting confused,brain fog and just not fuctioning as well as losing strength and just feeling frail i dropped all the medication as i had had a triple bypass and am now feeling much like my old self i was forgetting people i had known for years i wasnt told of these side effects when i took the statins i changed from avorstatin as that was giving me bad body aches the other thing on the statins was the tiredness after driving for over an hour i would feel like i was going to go to sleep since not taking statins i dont get that anymore to be fair the side effects are worse than the benefits to me so i wont take them i had them for three years and the boss used to say to me that something wasnt right and it was getting worse Since i have been off them i dont have these one on one talks with the boss that were happening because i was getting confused anxious and not keeping focus easily distracted and basically having to be told what to do because i would forget .i had enough and i thought i need to stop them or end up in am old people home or on home care.
1) Brain is made of cholesterol and makes cholesterol. Statins will lower cholesterol in brain and stop it from making cholesterol - thereby memory loss. 2) Statins destroys muscles. Muscles are storage for glucose. With damaged storage, Insulin Resistance occurs and glucose stays in the blood causing diabetes. When body blocks insulin, glucose can't enter brain cells. Insulin Resistance causes beta amyloid plaque build up in the brain --> Alzheimers. Dementia is called Type 3 Diabetes for this reason. Stop taking these drugs and stop eating carbs.
All lipophilic statins are linked to double risk of dementia. Please take care of yourself and any loved ones on statins. medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-lipophilic-statin-linked-dementia.html
Hi, my doctor prescribes statins rosuvastatin (Crestor) for cholesterol control.After a year I developed what could be similar to Alzheimer's symptoms. I had difficulty remembering things ( 15 minutes of memory ).I had been tested with the Montreal test and they said that I could have the beginning of Alzheimer's. After that I went to the internet google and RU-vid and from there some RU-vid doctors told in a video that statins were affecting cholesterol and that the brain made up with a lot of it. Guest what, I stopped taking those statins and 2 weeks after I didn't have any symptoms. A real miracle, I could have continue taking that medicine and have bad symptoms for the reste of my life. RU-vid had made me realize what could have been the source of my problem. No thanks to my doctor and his staff. . LESSON : STATINE ARE NOT WITHOUT RISK!
I've been taking Atorvastatin for over 20 years. I'm 67 years old now and still working as an electrical engineer working on projects that require long periods of focus and a good memory. The company is still paying so I guess I'm doing the job well.
That's good news. I'm a 68 year old electrical cable jointer (6 months on avorostatin and 3 stents) I work very closely with engineers and as you say there are points when memory and concentration are vital.
I’m 58 years old and I’v been on Atorvastatin for 5 years now and my memory is not as sharp as it use to be. At times I'm just plain forgetful. Not sure if it’s the side effects of the medication or just old age. I hear conflicting stories about memory loss related to the taking of the medication. What I do know is that my Cholesterol is under control now thanks to Atorvastatin. I just hope I don’t forget to take it.
I'm going on my 8th year, I'm 58yrs old I look 39 !! I still have an amazing memory back to first grade (never smoked) I had a quintuple bypass all 5 arteries clogged several heart attacks 8.5-hour surgery Mercy Hospital-San Diego CA Dr. James Hemp saved my life ! Atorvastatin has had no side effects on me for 8 years and counting! GET out and live life !!! work that heart its a muscle
Lifestyle changes can lower cholesterol without the risk of the negative side effects found when taking a statin-a plant-based diet & exercise are better than drugs!!
I am convinced statins gave me type 2 diabetes! I managed to reverse my diabetes in approx 6 months, what did I do different? Stopped taking Statins, my Doctor was amazed that I had reversed it and said, “whatever you did, you need to bottle it, and put it on eBay”!! I have high Cholesterol, and have been asked quite a few times now about going back on Statins, I politely decline, even though I know I’m at risk from heart disease, stroke or heart attack!!
I was taking Red Yeast Rice for 3-4 years when I noticed my memory and train of thought as I was speaking were negatively impacted. This alarmed me. I stopped the RYR and my memory issues vanished.
That’s likely because lowering cholesterol too much is just bad. The brain is a big glob of cholesterol. And it needs regular nourishment and repair. So does every cell in the body, and cholesterol is in every membrane.
I'm worried about liver and kidney damage myself I was in the hospital not long ago, i was already on 10 MG of Lipitor, they gave me 40.. and all the sudden i started having a ton of issues.. from being tired, to my blood pressure and my blood sugar bottoming out.. my own doctor is clueless.. and i don't know what to do.. i'm in tons of pain and tired and can't hardly move around.. my equilibrium is out of wack.
I had an angioplasty about 10 years ago, put on Statins and had trouble functioning (malaise, etc) reduced them but memory problems started after 8 years. Stopped them recently with doctors supervision (blood tests) went on dramatic sugar reduction and low carb diet following Dr Mason and other authors studies and recommendations. It made sense that reducing inflamation causing foods would bring a better health outcome than staying on Statins. I would appreciate your feedback.
My dad was on Lipitor for 40 years. He died at the age of 83 from pancreatic cancer and lewy body dementia. Of course the heavy history of drinking didn't help but I have no interest in taking statins due to their connection with dementia.
At 2:20 he says some statins are absorbed into the brain potentially causing memory loss and then at 4:18 he changes his mind and perscribes a statin for patients with brain disfunctions? Wtf?
The only comments you will see supporting statin use below are from the folks who have not died from them yet. Hmmm. I went on the Keto diet. I don’t need statins or BP meds anymore. My Dad had dementia and I would do anything to avoid that. Nobody prior to him had Alzheimer’s in either branch of my family tree, either. Dr. Berry on the RU-vid gave me the advice and knowledge needed to do Keto properly.
If patient is concerned, switch to a water soluble statin (e.g. rosuvastatin) at the lowest dose + ezetemibe. The combo can give you the same ApoB/LDL-P reductions as high dose "terminator" statins.
What is the specific item/level tested, and scoring that causes a statin to be prescribed? With so many potential side effects to kidneys, liver, and quality of life (i.e. anxiety, fatigue, etc.) why are statins SO overwhelmingly prescribed over a change of diet/lifestyle or other treatments? Well, outside of Big Pharma profits. What top 3-5 natural/preventatives may be added to ones daily routine to prevent heart issues?
Good to see you again Doc! may I request a discussion on insulin resistance and high blood sugar in relation to inflammation causing damage to arteries and endothelium etc.as possibly a bigger risk factor and driver of cardiovascular disease rather than just the LDL Theory? I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on that. Thank you and happy Easter!
Dr. it looks like you were wrong. You need to read the journal of nuclear medicine dated May 2021. The study finds that there is twice the risk of people utilizing atorvastatin to get dementia. The article is in titled lipophilic statins in subjects with the early mild cognitive impairment: associations with conversion to dementia and decline in posterior singlet brain metabolism and a long-term perspective longitudinal multi center study. Please report your interpretation of the study on RU-vid soon. Thank you.
Hi Real Chris, thanks for pointing out the article, I read the abstract and will obtain the full report. It is a super important topic. My first impression from the abstract is that, as usual in the “statin-dementia space,” confounders abound. I will have to read the article to give a full opinion. On the surface of it, however, it is another notch for rosuvastatin over atorvastatin.
I will tell you what they do cause, muscle and joint pain! I have been trying several different ones with my doctor and all so far are unbearable for me. Our next venture is to try taking only 3 days a week with the lowest dosage(5mg) vs (10mg). Check blood 3 Months out and see where the numbers are at. If this don't work then no more statins for me period!
You need to decide for yourself. I stopped taking statins 3 years ago, my Dr keeps trying to put me back on. I’ve made up my own mind due to reading whatever I can find. My body my choice.
Aren't all statins mitochondrial toxins? Doesn't the body regulate cholesterol based on need for that essential lipoprotein? Isn't the actual cause of atherosclerosis inflammation?
I take Avorstatin for my cholesterol. I now am pre diabetic. My my short term memory is affected by the statins. I have more joint pain I didn't have before I started statins. I will see my Doctor for an alternative.
Statins made me hungry all the time. Despite the fact that I had constant hunger pangs, I gained weight like crazy. I went off the statin & these problems resolved. My triglycerides are low & HDL is high despite having high LDL. Doctor wants me to try another statin, but I don’t think so.
Are you really a doctor? It took less than 2 minutes of this video to doubt you. “Short term memory loss” does not mean, “temporary or short loss of memory” it means loss of that part of your memory concerned with the short term storage and retrieval of memories, memories that may be transferred between short term and long term memory to maintain them and for current usage”. You can have permanent loss of short term memory, the word short in this context has nothing to do with how long the impairment will last. Anyone with even a passing knowledge of contemporary cognitive science would be expected to know this.
Thanks for your comment, Michael. You make a good point because I use the term Short Term memory Loss at the beginning of the video, which was a poor choice, as you explained. It would have been better if I said non-permanent effect on memory function. Best wishes!
@@CardioGauge I was probably being a bit harsh in my comment, it is just that "short term memory" - but of course it is easy to use a term in a more casual way when you are thinking about something else.
I suffer short term memory loss, decrease alertness and hair loss after doctors prescribe Atorvastatin. I suffered TIA (minor stroke) and doctor prescribe me Atorvastatin. But i still suffer 3 more TIA after that : 4 TIA in 14 months.
Question... if a person has not had a stroke or a heartattack and there is no record of it family-wise, is a Statin needed or can OTC supplements along with change in Diet work instead?
At the end of your Presentation, you identified a subset of patients that if presenting with mental clarity issues, you would recommend rosuvastatin due to the lipophilic properties, whereas in the presentation you identified these as water loving? Thank you for the information and taking the time to post this. Respectfully RS
Thanks for your comment, ray. I goofed that, it is the hydrophilic statins that are less likely to affect memory. I used to have a correction comment at that point, but for some reason it is not working now. Thanks for pointing it out I will take a look at the RU-vid settings!
Thank you Dr. for this very clear, concise video. Unfortunately I am one that suffers from muscle pain and weakness from statins. One note, I believe you misspoke at the 4:20 mark when you said you start your patients of rosuvastatin because it is lipophilic, instead of hydrophilic. Thanks again!!
Thank you for the comment, I misspoke at that point, you are correct! I put a notification in the video there, but it is not very obvious. Best wishes Jayson!
Interesting. I have been on atorvastin for several years. I have ms as well. I have been have memory loss and confusion for years and on medicine for it. So do I understand this could all be because I have been this medicine for cholesterol? Which dr do I approach, cardio or neurologist?
Yes, your cognition is potentially being negatively affected by the statin. I personally would not take them regardless of what my doctor says. I’ve seen and heard of too many negative side effects.
medicalxpress.com/news/2021-06-lipophilic-statin-linked-dementia.html I would say to first speak with the cardio, as that is who prescribes these meds to you. Why go outside if you can fix it at the source?
Took Lipitor for years, confused & forgetful, got pick type migraines that lasted days due to bbb so once I stopped they stopped along with the memory loss & confusion! Eat carnivore! 👍
Isn't there is an error at 4:20, where you refer to rosuvastatin as lipophilic? I think it is referred to correctly in other parts of the video as hydrophilic. But thank you for this generally helpful video.
i took rosuvastatin and almost died as a person. memory loss, brain flog, weakness, depression... dry mouth.... what would be the best alternative for me?
Hi, ive been taking atorastatin for about 2 years, i have experiemented some confusion, anxiety and one time i had a panic attack. i would like to know if atorvastatin may have produced that, thanks
nothing conclusive .......... studies of dementia ........ atherosclerosis nothing measurable astostatin ...... side effects confusion , resident Dr meera , jawaharlal Nehru institute post medical education and research security administration Alaska
Don’t know if it’s true but I’ve read that taking statins can lower CoQ10 levels in some people. So I ran this by my doctor and she said she was ok with me taking a CoQ10 suppliment for me 100 mg.
Dr sir my arterial calcium score was 1384 in November 2019 cardio prescribed me ATROVASTATIN / ECOSPRINE 10/75 once daily plus NICORON 5mg twice daily, joint pain and muscle pain is it's side effects, I am having these symptoms since started the calcium score treatment. I am also RA which had been under control with ayurveda treatment, but for the above medicines what you recommend is atrovastatin NICORON are harmful for long term health. I am 78 at present and how to reduce my calcium score waiting your value guidance thanks 17/06/2020
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do you think an elderly lady 91 needs to be on a statin? pacemaker valve stents tia stroke how about a older man 83 stents w bare metal stent in lieu of bypass surgery tia stroke?
had a brain bypass rather carotidendarectomy and as soon as the pains went away the whole lot of people and help seemed senile and dangerously so , forcing me to hide the hospital medicines that the other room patient, paralysed was overtly and being harassed by the help doing, and walked out of hospital the day the insurance company stopped paying and the hospital said they could not help any more...statin included..not hemiplegic ...got some normal foods and the lot went back to being smart and rich..
