Statins Take On the Brain
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may also treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease
By John Travis
They make up one of the most often prescribed classes of pharmaceuticals. Some enthusiastic physicians call them “wonder drugs.” In recent years, these cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, have revolutionized the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Studies over the past decade have shown that people who have had a heart attack dramatically lower their risk of having a second one by taking statins. Recent data indicate that statins can even lower a person’s chances of suffering an initial heart attack, and the drugs may also prevent strokes. As a result of these findings, statins-which go by such brand names as Lipitor and Zocor-reap enormous profits for the firms selling them.