B. Austen*, G. Christodoulou**, J. E. Terry***

* Brian Austen, Professor in Protein Science Neurodegeneration Unit, Departments of Surgery and Psychology, St George's Hospital Medical School. ** Georgina Christodoulou, Neurodegeneration Unit, Departments of Surgery and Psychology, St George's Hospital Medical School. *** Jayne E Terry, clinical medical Student at St George's Hospital Medical School. Correspondence: Professor Brian Austen, Neurodegeneration Unit, Department of Surgery, St. George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 ORE, U.K. Tel: 0181 725 5651. Fax: 0181 725 3594. Email: sghk200@sghms.ac.uk

Abstract: This review paper discusses potential relationships between Cholesterol levels, the therapeutic use of Statins and the risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Comparisons have also been made between the Western populations and Oriental populations. Epidemiological studies have shown that statins, which reduce the levels of plasma cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme 3 hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 70%. Further research is required to determine whether cholesterol levels have a direct, causative, or indirect relationship with Alzheimer' disease. Also, it is not clear why some statins reduce the prevalence of AD and others do not. Statins may have an affect on other AD risk factors, or act by mechanisms which are independent of their effects on cholesterol levels?

Keywords: Cholesterol, Statins, Alzheimer's Disease, Apolipoprotein E.