Ahh. Found it. It was a discussion in the Pharmacist's Letter. I don't really know what I can post without fear of copyright infringements, but here are some ref's:
1. Parker-Pope T. Cholesterol drug use raises questions about side effects. Wall Street Journal, February 2, 2002.
2. Orsi A, Sherman O, Woldeselassie Z. Simvastatin-associated memory loss. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21(6):767-69.
3. Wardle J, Rogers P, Judd P, et al. Randomized trial of the effects of cholesterol-lowering dietary treatment on psychological function. Am J Med 2000;108:547-53.
4. Muldoon M, Barger S, Ryan C, et al. Effects of lovastatin on cognitive function and psychological well-being. Am J Med 2000;108:538-47.
5. Stewart R, Sharples K, North F, et al. Long-term assessment of psychological well-being in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of cholesterol reduction with pravastatin. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:3144-52.
6. Kehoe W. Statins, cholesterol, and Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacist's Letter Detail Document 2000;160216.
7. Atkinson J. Cerebrovascular structure and dementia: new drug targets. Trends Psychopharmacol Sci 2001;22(12):630-35.
8. Rockwood K, Kirkland S, Hogan D, et al. Use of lipid-lowering agents, indication bias, and the risk of dementia in community-dwelling elderly people. Arch Neurol 2002;59:223-27.
The author's conclusion:
At this point the data do not suggest that statins commonly affect psychological well-being or function. With the large number of patients treated to date, a problem with a high incidence should have been noted. However, memory problems could easily be overlooked or attributed to the effects of aging or concurrent diseases. So it isn't possible to rule out an effect. But it does not appear to occur at a high rate.
The anecdotal reports do suggest that we should watch for this possible effect. It may not occur for months after therapy is started. If memory problems are noted, other causes should be considered and appropriate measures taken. If it does appear to be the result of a statin, a trial off of the drug or changing to an alternative statin may be worth considering.
It is interesting to note that statins are being looked at for possibly preventing Alzheimer's disease.6-8 High cholesterol may contribute to the deposition of beta-amyloid in the brain that characterizes this disease. Epidemiological studies indicate that the risk is lowered by statins. This will of course require further study. However, it also points out that the cognitive impact of these drugs may very well depend upon other underlying conditions the patient may have.