There is much opposing opinions and research concerning the use of Statins, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication, and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Newer research about the link shows symptoms of PD are lessened with the use of statins. Other, older research, however, suggests that statins deplete the levels of Coenzyme Q10 to levels that can raise the chance of developing PD-like tremors and memory loss. Here is the latest update on the controversy.

Coenzyme Q10 Use to Lessen Side Effects

There is continuing controversy surrounding the use of coenzyme Q10 supplements to prevent side effects from statins, specifically muscle aches and memory loss. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, “At this time, coenzyme Q10 is not universally recommended for preventing statin side effects.” That being said, most research is inconclusive whether is actually helps or not, and the use of coenzyme Q10 does not cause side effects. Therefore, taking Co-Q10 will not harm the patient if he or she wishes to do so.

Controversy on Statins Causing Parkinson Disease

Published by the NIH in their Library of Medicine in May 2009, researchers from the Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department at the University Hospital in Basil, Switzerland, reviewed all research and data on the subject up through 2008, and came to the conclusion listed below that past research did not support the link nor did it rule out.  The controversy continues until more definitive studies are done.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neuro- degenerative
disease and the number of affected patients is growing. Until now, information on either risk factors (genetic or environmental) or neuro- protective agents is still scarce. Recently, hydroxymethylglutary-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have been related to protective as well as to potential harmful effects with regard to the development of a PD diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To give an overview and comment on the data available so far on this topic.

METHODS: Relevant literature was identified using a PubMed search of articles published up to October 2008. Search terms included: ‘Parkinson disease’, ‘statins’, and ‘epidemiology’. Original articles were reviewed and relevant citations from these articles were also considered.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Results of the available observational studies were inconsistent with most studies reporting a protective effect of statins on the risk of PD. Others found no altered risk of PD in statin users compared to non-users or even an increased risk. Studies largely varied in size and analysis methods. Thus, comparison of the results is difficult.

Current research performed at the Rush University Medical Center, published in the October 28, 2009 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience concluded:

Simvastatin, a commonly used, cholesterol-lowering statin drug, may prevent Parkinson’s disease from progressing further. Neurological researchers at Rush University Medical Center conducted a study examining the use of the FDA-approved medication in mice with Parkinson’s disease and found that the drug successfully reverses the biochemical, cellular and anatomical changes caused by the disease.

Until now, no definite conclusion on this topic can be made. And researchers agree that until a definitive study is performed, the benefits of taking statins to lower cholesterol far outweighs the risk of not taking the drug.