A common cholesterol-lowering drug could help prevent the cognitive decline known as 'chemo brain' in cancer patients, according to a new study. More than 75% of patients experience mental fog, memory issues, and reduced thinking ability during treatment, with 35% reporting lingering symptoms years later.
Researchers in the United States split over 200 breast and lymphoma cancer patients into two groups, giving one group statins and the other a placebo. Those taking statins performed an average of ten seconds better on an executive function test, which measures planning, problem-solving, and emotional control.
Lead researcher Dr Pamela Jill Grizzard from VCU Health Pauley Heart Center in Richmond, Virginia, said: 'Our results suggest patients who participated in our statin group may have shown some unexpected cognitive benefit while undergoing chemotherapy and after treatment.' She added that if future studies confirm the effect, statins could become a valuable tool for maintaining cognitive function in cancer survivors.
Currently, treatment options for chemo brain are limited to lifestyle changes such as exercise, improved sleep, and stress management. Around eight million people in the UK take statins for cholesterol, and this research suggests a potential additional benefit for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
