Another HUGE warning to all taking Statin drugs is that while they block the production of cholesteral they also block the production of CoQ-10 one of the most esential elements to a healthy heart. COQ-10 deficiency can certainly lead to heart failure, especially in the elderly. I'm no doctor but I would say anyone taking a Statin drug should be taking some coQ-10 supplementation.
I nearly posted the same message. It may be protective, and would not be harmful.
And Lipitor does retard cholesterol, but cholesterol is needed by the body for cell production and maintenance. The thing is: cholesterol cannot pass the blood brain barrier and therefore, the brain manufactures it's own supply of cholesterol.
Lipitor however, can cross the blood brain barrier, and interfere with the brains own supply. There is lots and lots of reports out there of mild to severe memory loss, and other cognitive problems associated with its use. So seeing something about a link with Parkinson's doesn't surprise me. And in fact might explain the increase in tremors my father has. He is no longer on statins but I fear the damage has been done.
I took lipitor for several weeks two years ago. I got a horrible bruise for no reason and got edema in my face. Decided it wasn't worth it. I told my doctor this summer never again, so he put me on fish oil. That I can do.
Actually, I've read elsewhere that statins seem to lessen to occurrence of heart attacks.