Treatment with the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) may be of benefit to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, slowing the progressive deterioration in brain function and behavior, according to results of a pilot study.

Previous studies have shown that elevated cholesterol levels in midlife increase the later risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. D. Larry Sparks and colleagues note in their report, published in the Archives of Neurology.

Furthermore, some studies have suggested that “statin” drugs like Lipitor may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life, they add.

The current study involved 63 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease randomly assigned to treatment with Lipitor (atorvastatin) or an inactive “placebo.” Fifty-six patients completed the 6-month check-up, 48 the 9-month visit and 46 the 1-year visit.

At 6 months, scores on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale, a test of cognitive ability, were significantly better in the Lipitor group and remained elevated at 12 months.

Moreover, scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale were also significantly better in the Lipitor group.

This study was partially funded by Pfizer Inc., the maker of Lipitor.

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SOURCE: Archives of Neurology, May 2005.