Transient Global Amnesia (TGA), known as anterograde amnesia or the inability to form new memories, has been linked to statin drugs such as Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor, which are used to lower cholesterol. Statin-drug-associated memory dysfunction comes on suddenly and also involves some degree of retrograde memory loss that can go decades into the past. combined with varying degrees of retrograde memory loss, sometimes for decades into the past.
Doctors are largely unaware of this potential problem, which could prove devastating for instance, as explained by the article, if it were to happen to a pilot while flying or a truck driver while driving. Along with amnesia, other memory problems such as disorientation, confusion and forgetfulness can also occur.
TGA typically occurs without warning, and most cases have been reported from shortly after the statin drug was first started, although cases have been reported after years of use. As the use of statin drugs is steadily increasing, doctors must be aware of the potential for impaired brain function as a side effect of these drugs.
Duane Gravline, M.D. June, 2003
The statin drugs used to lower cholesterol are the most widely used drugs in the country, with Lipitor taking top honors.
If you aren't familiar with the dangers and inappropriateness of statin drugs then you should review my article on the truth about cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Drugs are rarely the solution for high cholesterol. Well over 99 percent of people can normalize their cholesterol levels by restricting grains and sugars. There are only a handful of people with genetic issues who require statin drugs, and their cholesterol levels are typically 350 or higher.
In addition to restricting grains and sugars, which you can read more about in my book The No-Grain Diet, there are some simple things you can do to normalize cholesterol levels.
You can take a high-quality fish oil that is chock full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to find a fish oil that is independently tested by a lab and found to conform to purity guidelines. This will ensure that the oil is free of mercury and other toxins. One such brand, which I have found to be of superior quality, is Carlson’s fish and cod liver oil , and I now offer this exceptional fish oil/cod liver oil to you in my "Recommended Products" section. You may also be able to find it in your local health food store.
Additionally, if you are a man, or a woman who is in menopause, you should check your iron levels as elevated levels of iron can raise cholesterol levels and cause major oxidative damage in the blood vessels, heart and other organs. Excess iron is also one of the major contributing factors of cancer risk.
Regular exercise is another important tool that may reduce your risk of heart disease.
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