Statins and neuroprotection.
The beneficial effect of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) in primary prevention of coronary artery disease in those with hypercholesterolaemia and in secondary prevention in those with established coronary vascular disease are now well known. A growing body of evidence suggests that statins also possess important additional clinical benefits, such as stroke risk reduction. In this article we review the evidence that statins may be neuroprotective, especially in the brain parenchyma during stroke. We also review the observational data that statins may prevent the onset of dementia.
Delanty
N
N
Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Beaumont Hospital and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Vaughan
C J
CJ
Sheehy
N
N
D000818:Animals; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents