IMPACT OF ATORVASTATIN ON CEREBRAL PERFUSION AND ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Subject recruitment for this study is complete. High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and contributes to impaired blood vessel function and decreased brain blood flow - early findings in the development of AD. Cholesterol-lowering medications called statins improve blood vessel function and increase blood flow to the brain in animals. It is unknown whether statins will increase blood flow in the human brain or will improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thinking activation patterns in the brain before symptoms of AD develop. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of atorvastatin therapy on brain blood flow and thinking activation patterns as measured by MRI in asymptomatic adult children of persons with AD. Sixteen healthy, middle-aged adult children of persons with AD have been recruited for this 4-month trial. At baseline, 1-month, and 4-month visits, subjects had fasting blood tests collected (AST, ALT, CK, Cr, lipid profile) and reviewed side effects or changes in their health. At baseline and 4 months, brain MRI and blood vessel ultrasound measures were collected. Subjects were randomized to receive atorvastatin 40 mg nightly (n=8) vs. placebo (n=8). All subjects will have completed study procedures in April 2007.