Statin-associated Cognitive Impairment
A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant literature regarding statins and any potential adverse impact on cognition. The databases included in the search were MEDLINE (PubMed; 1950-November 2011), EMBASE (Ovid; 1980-November 2011), and the Cochrane Library (1960-November 2011). All languages were included. The following search terms were used: "cognition/drug effects," "delirium, dementia, amnestic, cognitive disorders/chemically induced," "memory disorders/chemically induced," "hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors/adverse effects," "statin/adverse effects," and "hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors" [Pharmacological Action]. Keywords, exploded terms, and controlled terminology were used for each of the databases searched. Additional references were identified through a bibliographic search. Studies were included for analysis if they were conducted in humans (all patient populations were considered), reported an association between statin use and incident cognitive impairment either as a primary or secondary endpoint, and were available in abstract or full text form. Given the relative paucity of data, case reports, case series, case-control, cohort, and clinical trials were all considered for analysis.
The search strategy yielded 29 references that ultimately met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis. Outcomes attributed to statins in these studies included cognitive impairment, cognitive improvement/protection, and a neutral effect on cognition.
Data Sources
A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant literature regarding statins and any potential adverse impact on cognition. The databases included in the search were MEDLINE (PubMed; 1950-November 2011), EMBASE (Ovid; 1980-November 2011), and the Cochrane Library (1960-November 2011). All languages were included. The following search terms were used: "cognition/drug effects," "delirium, dementia, amnestic, cognitive disorders/chemically induced," "memory disorders/chemically induced," "hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors/adverse effects," "statin/adverse effects," and "hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors" [Pharmacological Action]. Keywords, exploded terms, and controlled terminology were used for each of the databases searched. Additional references were identified through a bibliographic search. Studies were included for analysis if they were conducted in humans (all patient populations were considered), reported an association between statin use and incident cognitive impairment either as a primary or secondary endpoint, and were available in abstract or full text form. Given the relative paucity of data, case reports, case series, case-control, cohort, and clinical trials were all considered for analysis.
The search strategy yielded 29 references that ultimately met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis. Outcomes attributed to statins in these studies included cognitive impairment, cognitive improvement/protection, and a neutral effect on cognition.
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