2015 issue 1

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Volume 31, issue 1

Review article

Prospects of statins as therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative disorders

Maria Rutkowska1, Wojciech Słupski1
1. Wroclaw Medical University, Department of Pharmacology
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2015, 31 (1), 45–56
DOI: http://dx.medra.org/10.17393/fpn.2015.06.006
Keywords: statins, cholesterol, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This review paper discusses the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders. It also describes the mechanisms of central action of statins. Based on the current literature review, it presents data regarding potential use of statins in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and in multiple sclerosis. Most of the studies conducted to date indicate that statins may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. In the case of Parkinson's disease, primary results were not conclusive. The usefulness of statins in the treatment of multiple sclerosis must be confirmed in further clinical trials.

Address for correspondence:
Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu
Katedra i Zakład Farmakologii
ul. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland
phone: +48 71 784 14 48
email: maria.rutkowska@umed.wroc.pl