Is the use of high-intensity atorvastatin associated with memory impairment?

High-intensity statins are the cornerstone of medical management in Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). However, their effect on neurocognition are less clear. In this prospective observational study, we gave guideline-directed high-intensity atorvastatin 40 mg to middle-aged statin-naïve ACS patients. Memory assessments were performed before and 6 months after statin therapy using 2 validated scales-the PostGraduate Institute Memory Scale (PGI-MS), and the Logical Memory Passage Test (LMPT). There was no significant difference in the mean PGI-MS test scores (baseline 75.4 ± 7.9, 6months 76.5 ± 8.2;p ¼ 0.26) or the overall composite scores (baseline 32.02 ± 3.2, 6months 32.8 ± 3.1; p ¼ 0.20), after 6 months of statin use. There was a small improvement in immediate recall (baseline score 8.5 ± 2.5, 6 months 9.04 ± 1.8; p ¼ 0.05), and delayed recall (baseline 6.1 ± 2.6, 6 months 6.9 ± 1.9, p ¼ 0.002). High-intensity atorvastatin use did not affect memory at 6 months among statin-naïve middle-aged patients with ACS.

The truth about artificial sweeteners – Are they good for diabetics?

Artificial sweeteners are thought to be beneficial for diabetics or obese where refined sugar can be a problem. These low-calorie sweeteners are seemingly safe to use, provide sweetness without calories, and provide a choice of sweet foods to those who otherwise cannot partake them (refined sugars). However, while artificial sweeteners may indeed restrict calories most of them have no beneficial effects on control of diabetes mellitus; rather possibly increase its risk. Additionally, there could be some other safety concerns possibly risk of cancer.