Statin drugs and memory

[ornotna]

Transient Global Amnesia - A Side Effect of Statin Treatment

Duane Graveline, MD, former NASA Astronaut, USAF Flight Surgeon, Space Medicine Research Scientist, Family Doctor. 4414 Cormorant Ln., Merritt Island, FL 32953

Try to imagine the complete inability to formulate new memory. This condition is known as transient global amnesia, now known to be associated with statin drug use. My first encounter occurred six weeks after my annual astronaut physical at Johnson Space Center. Despite regular exercise, weight maintenance and proper diet my total serum cholesterol had risen to 250 mg and the recommendation of the flight surgeons there was to start Lipitor, 10 mg daily. My wife noticed me walking aimlessly about the yard after my return from my usual walk. I did not know who she was and would not enter our house. Our family doctor referred me immediately to a neurologist and finally, in the office of the neurologist, my senses returned to normal. Following a negative MRI the following day, the diagnosis of transient global amnesia was made. I discontinued Lipitor because I suspected it was the cause.


http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2003/12/05/statin_drugs_memory_loss.htm#


First heard this on the radio, interview of Dr. Graveline.

[benburch]

1. YIKES! nt

[RedEarth]

2. I'm not sure how safe Lipitor or any other of the statins drug are.....