Fw: Brain Protection Breakthrough

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----- Original Message ----- From: Hardy, The Blue Dolphin Health Update

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Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 10:57 AM

Subject: Brain Protection Breakthrough

Martha Murdock's February 21Update

Medical BreakthroughsBrain Protection BreakthroughAbstracted from "Statins May Protect the Brain" by editors of the Harvard Health Letter Harvard Health Letter, January 2001. A study published in the November 11, 2000, "Lancet" found that statins (drugs used to lower cholesterol) seem to substantially lower the risk of developing dementia, the loss of memory and abstract-thinking abilities that affects about 10% if everyone over age 65.

The study was based on data from 60,000 individuals, 50 years of age or older, collected as part of the British-based General Practice Research Database. Participants were tracked from 1992 to 1998. During that period, 284 developed dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Researchers compared that group with the 1,080 people in the database who didn't have brain disease, but were similar with respect to age, sex, weight, and smoking. Researchers found that those who took statin drugs to lower their cholesterol also lowered their risk of Alzheimer's by 70%. Unfortunately, when high cholesterol had been treated with drugs other than statins there appeared to be no diminished risk for the dementia of Alzheimer's.

Many doctors believe the gradual narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the brain--which restricts blood flow and damages nerve cells--might be a contributing factor in the complex causes of Alzheimer's. The authors of the study theorize that statins may halt the chain of events that lead to Alzheimer's by dilating capillaries and increasing blood flow to the brain.

Keep in mind, however, corroborating evidence from clinical trials are needed to confirm the suggestion that statins protect against Alzheimer's. For more information on medical breakthroughs that are important to your health, read the Harvard Health Letter--a leader among resources. Claim your RISK-FREE trial offer of Harvard Health Letter today! http://www.bluedolphin.com/order/order.jhtml;$imp$HLD010221?nid=tip.repositoryId & location=emailtext & ub=81308164Change My Account PreferencesWhether you've changed your plans, changed your job, or just changed your mind, you can choose from a wide variety of topics to make your Blue Dolphin Update a custom fit for you! http://www.bluedolphin.com/preferences.jhtml;$imp$HLD010221?nsn=health & ub=81308164Unsubscribe http://www.bluedolphin.com/unsubscribe.jhtml;$imp$HLD010221?nsn=health & ub=81308164Customer Service http://www.bluedolphin.com/contact-customercare.jhtml;$imp$HLD010221?ub=81308164© 2000-2001 Blue Dolphin Group, Inc.