Q: Since my husband's heart attack three years ago (two stents) and going on Lipitor, Metoprolol and Lisinopril, he has gone from a quick, sharp, super-smart man with an incredible memory to a not quick, sharp, etc. man with a terrible memory, who loses everything. The difference has been dramatic and noticeable to others. His lack of performance at work is jeopardizing his job. Should he stop the drugs and just rely on your fish oil (which he has been taking ever since the heart attack), exercise and the Zone Diet?
A: Memory loss is one of the major side effects of statins. This is why 50 percent of all patients stop taking statins within one year after starting them. The recent JELIS study indicated that taking EPA and statins gave a 20 percent reduction in cardiovascular events relative to statins alone. Other studies have indicated that the effect of EPA and statins on cardiovascular mortality is similar. I would suggest consulting with his doctor to initially reduce the statin levels by 50 percent, increase the EPA and DHA to about 5 grams per day, and follow the Zone Diet strictly with moderate exercise. The cholesterol levels will stay depressed, but your husband's mental acuity will rapidly return.