Cochrane review on 'Statins for the treatment of dementia'1. (2nd April 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGuinness, Bernadette; O'Hare, John; Craig, David; Bullock, Roger; Malouf, Reem; Passmore, Peter
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 2(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2012-04-02
• Subjects: Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.3797
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="gps3797-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>This review aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and tolerability of statins in the treatment of dementia.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3797-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We searched the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, <italic>The Cochrane Library</italic>, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS, as well as many trials registries and grey literature sources (27 October 2008). Double‐blind, randomized controlled trials of statins given for at least 6 months in people with a diagnosis of dementia were included. Two independent authors extracted and assessed data independently against the inclusion criteria. Data were pooled where appropriate and entered into a meta‐analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3797-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Three studies were identified (748 participants, age range 50–90 years). All patients had a diagnosis of probable or possible Alzheimer's disease according to standard criteria, and most patients were established on a cholinesterase inhibitor. Change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale from baseline was a primary outcome in three studies; when data were pooled, statins did not provide any beneficial effect in this cognitive measure (mean difference −1.12; 95% confidence interval −3.99, 1.75; <italic>p</italic> = 0.44). All studies provided a change in Mini‐Mental State Examination from baseline; there was no significant benefit from statins in this cognitive measure when the data were pooled (mean difference −1.53; 95% confidence interval −3.28; 0.21, <italic>p</italic> = 0.08). There were no studies identified assessing the role of statins in treatment of vascular dementia. There was no evidence that statins were detrimental to cognition.</p> </sec> <sec id="gps3797-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>There is insufficient evidence to recommend statins for the treatment of dementia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>