If you’ve been here on Alternative Doc for long, you know my aggressive stance on dangerous statin drugs. Now, there’s hard scientific evidence of a link between statins and memory loss!
What are Statins?
Any pharmaceutical drug that artificially lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – or what is referred to as “bad” cholesterol – is classified as a statin. These drugs block the production of cholesterol in the liver and lower how much is pumping through your blood.
You probably see commercials on television about the importance of lowering your cholesterol with the use of statin drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor. The companies that make these drugs make tens of billions in sales annually because more than 32 million adults in the United States are currently taking a statin prescription.
Understanding the Complex Nature of Cholesterol
Artificially inhibiting the production of cholesterol in your body affects every single cell because you need cholesterol to live. It is an essential building block that your body uses to produce the cell membranes, vitamin D, hormones, and the bile you need to digest fat.
Without it, your brain (which contains 25% of the cholesterol inside you) begins to starve.
Proven Side Effects of Statins
- Pains and spasms in muscles, joints, and tendons
- Digestive problems
- Dysfunction with sleep patterns
- Kidney distress
- Liver distress
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Sexual dysfunction
- Changes in mood
- Weakness and fatigue due to interference in CoQ10 production
- Inability to concentrate or decreased cognition
All of these side effects have been proven by scientific research that spans more than 900 studies. How does the organization that is supposed to monitor drugs to assure their safety in the United States respond to these potentially deadly side effects?
In an unhelpful report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the proven side effects that include damage to muscles, liver, kidneys, and more are considered “rare,” “mild,” and “small.” They aren’t even concerned about the increasing reports of statins on memory loss, cognitive impairment, and brain fog!
After all, they looked at all the data…
“[The] FDA has been investigating reports of cognitive impairment from statin use for several years. The reports about memory loss, forgetfulness, and confusion span all statin products and all age groups. In general, the symptoms were not serious and were reversible within a few weeks after the patient stopped using the statin. Some people affected in this way had been taking the medicine for a day; others had been taking it for years.”
The phrase “in general” makes me livid because that means there are people who have had serious cognitive side effects that were not reversible.
They then advise that if you fear statin use might be affecting your brain function, you should, “Talk to your health care professional. Don’t stop taking the medication; the consequences to your heart could be far greater.”
Statins are hailed as the savior from heart disease yet one of the most commonly reported side effects of their use is damage to muscles. Your heart is a muscle! Take a second to consider what that means. You’re being prescribed a drug to protect your heart that could end up damaging your heart.
The FDA changed the labeling instructions for statin drugs, which has done nothing to slow down how often they are prescribed.
Let’s pretend for a moment that statins are helping your heart (they aren’t). What good is your heart without your brain functioning properly? What sort of quality of life does that leave you?
New Information about Statins and Memory Loss
In the United Kingdom, researchers with University of Bristol found that statins impaired laboratory rats’ ability to learn, recognize tasks and objects they previously encountered, and perform simple functions.
There have been several studies (one from the Mayo Clinic) that found elderly with highest levels of cholesterol have the lowest risk for dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. They also advise that patients considering a statin drug “weigh the benefits and risks.”
The bottom line is that statins are prescribed for one reason – to lower your cholesterol. This is a compound you need to survive (especially your brain) so this causes a negative chain reaction inside your body. Worse, it isn’t going to help your heart anyway!
Raise HDL and Lower LDL Naturally
Cholesterol was touted as the “bad guy” in the pursuit of good health. The medical community laid all the blame for heart disease at its feet and told you to banish it from your diet.
Time has proven that their theories were wrong!
Stripping cholesterol from our diets did nothing to remove heart disease as the #1 killer in the world. Hand in hand, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and decline in brain function have also risen.
Stop starving your body and your brain! Eat the foods that feed every cell and deliver an abundance of nutrition.
Best Sources for “Good” Cholesterol
- Fatty fish and fish oils
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive and coconut oil
- Organic beef, poultry, and dairy products
- Eggs (the whole thing!)
- Avocados
Get off the “whole grain” merry-go-round because it’s a myth! Lose those ridiculous amounts of carbs and sugars from your diet and replace them with fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
It isn’t all about food and we both know that, don’t we? You have to exercise, quit smoking, get plenty of rest, and lower your stress. Cut the use of statins and memory loss risk is a bit lower.
The real key to a healthy heart and a strong brain is taking control (and being accountable) for your choices. Knowing that there are no “easy” fixes. There is no miracle drug that will keep you looking, feeling, and thinking younger for the rest of your life.
It takes work and commitment. I know you’re ready to do what it takes. Start today!
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