A very interesting article. Thank you for the info, Golden Girl.
Just wondering if Research has had had a chance to look at this?
As there is no profit in it for drug companies I doubt if any of them will pursue any further research.
GG
Hi goldengirl,
A number of studies have shown that some types of statins might reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's and may even help protect brain cells.
Statins, like all drugs, have considerable benefits for certain conditions, but also side effects (such as reducing the levels of coenzyme Q10).
At the moment we don’t have sufficient evidence to weigh up the potential benefits against risks. Indeed, because Parkinson’s is a complicated condition where many different factors contribute, there may be risks for people with Parkinson’s that we don’t yet know about. And we advise that people with Parkinson's shouldn't consider starting to take statins unless this is recommended by their doctor.
Studies are only just starting to work out exactly how statins act inside the brain to protect the nerve cells that die when Parkinson's develops. Recent finding suggest that they may have anti-inflammatory properties, although much of the research is limited to animal studies.
There are still many unanswered questions about the use of statins and their role in helping to stop Parkinson's developing.
The clinical trial from 2007 gives us hope that this research could help develop new treatments for Parkinson's that can slow or even prevent the condition. Although long term follow up studies for those taking statins is still needed.
It's too soon to say whether these results could lead to a potential breakthrough in the use of statins to manage or reduce the risk of Parkinson's. But, whilst drug companies may not be interested, other researchers are still interested in the role of statins in Parkinson’s.
We will keep an eye out for any developments in this area.
All the best,
The Research Team
Thank you, Research!
I will keep an eye on this with interest.
I sent the article to our Parkinson's Nurse and she is going to discuss it with her team.
Anything that gives hope for neuro protection lifts our spirits!
GG