The role of Simvastatin in preventing diet-induced cognitive decline
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2017-11-03
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Towson University. Department of Psychology
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Abstract
The introduction of processed sugars and fats as the macronutrient foundation for many foods has played a contributing role in the increased incidence of heart disease. Likewise, chronic consumption of this "Western"-style may have a significant negative impact on healthy cognitive function. Statins may have unique neuroprotective agency in cases of cognitive decline associated with chronic consumption of the Western diet. The current study examined the effects of long-term high-fat diet consumption in a rodent sample to ultimately explore the effectiveness of Simvastatin in preventing potential cognitive decline. No significant effects of diet nor of Simvastatin treatment were revealed. A significant effect of diet on Rotarod performance was found, such that high-fat diet mice performed worse than mice treated with Simvastatin and control mice. Further exploration of both high-fat diet and Simvastatin treatment paradigms are necessary to construct a more secure bedrock for future research in this area.