An evaluation of the effect of atorvastatin on memory and psychomotor functions in hypertensive patients

Background : The effect of statins on memory and psychomotor function has been controversial and needs further evaluation.
Aims : To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on memory and psychomotor functions in hypertensive patients treated with enalapril or amlodipine.
Settings and Design : Prospective, comparative, non-randomized, before-after, open-label clinical study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Western India.
Materials and Methods : Memory was evaluated with PGI (Post Graduate Institute, Chandigarh) Memory Scale, while psychomotor functions were evaluated with Digit Letter Substitution test, Six Letter Cancellation test, and Finger Tapping test at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months of starting atorvastatin in 74 hypertensive patients who were prescribed either enalapril or amlodipine with or without atorvastatin 10 mg/day. Scores obtained in patients receiving enalapril or amlodipine were compared with those receiving these drugs along with atorvastatin. Memory and psychomotor functions of 12 healthy volunteers were also evaluated and compared with those of the patients at respective time periods.
Statistical analysis : Student′s t test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, and Mann Whitney U test were used to compare the pre- and post-treatment scores of memory and psychomotor functions in various groups. Statistical significance was considered at P<0.05.
Results : A statistically significant improvement in scores of memory and psychomotor functions was observed in both healthy volunteers (P=0.009 and P=0.016) and hypertensive patients (P=0.008 and P=0.031) throughout the study period. Memory and psychomotor function in hypertensive patients remained significantly inferior to those of healthy volunteers (P=0.01 and P=0.018). There was no significant difference in the scores of memory and psychomotor functions between patients receiving atorvastatin and those not receiving this drug.
Conclusion : Atorvastatin, at 10 mg/day dose, does not have any significant effect on memory and psychomotor functions in hypertensive patients treated with enalapril or amlodipine.

Keywords
Amlodipine, atorvastatin, enalapril, hypertension, memory, psychomotor function