Lipid-lowering Drugs and Neurocognitive Function: A Systematic Review.

Background/aim Lipid-lowering drugs have been suggested to affect neurocognitive function. This review aimed to give the latest evidence on the way these agents affect neurocognitive function based on clinical trials. Materials and methods A systematic search concerning original studies from 2015 to 2020 was performed through the databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane, according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The trials enrolled numerous patients and were conducted in different areas of the world. The terms used are cholesterol, lipid-lowering drugs, statins and cognitive function. Results Eleven randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. The trials included patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions. In particular, patients with coronary heart disease, coronary heart disease risk equivalents and hypercholesterolemia were tested. The trials included evolocumab, alirocumab, statin, ezetimibe or placebo. Conclusion Lipid-lowering drugs seem to have no significant effect on neurocognitive function, but further research specifically focused on this matter is needed.