Healthline (Continued from page 12)
are found in patients with TGA. However, careful examination of these patients inevitably reveals some deviation from the typical clinical symptoms associated with TGA or some type of abnormality on neuro- logical examination. TGA research studies using sophisticated scanning techniques and EEGs suggest that there is decreased activity in areas of the brain involved in memory forma- tion during an episode of TGA, but they give no clue as to the mecha- nisms involved in causing the event.
TGA and Statins
Although TGA and other memory problems are not listed as adverse effects of statins, Dr. Beatrice Golomb and her associates at the University of California, San Diego have been accumulating data from nationwide patient reports of symptoms associ- ated with these drugs. Their initial report in early 2010 discusses patient complaints about memory and cognitive problems (problems with thinking) and suggests that these complaints, as well as muscle and nerve problems, might all be attribut- able to the drugs’ effects on mitochon- dria, the energy-producing factories in all cells in the body.
Since statins are viewed as valuable additions to the battle against heart disease and are likely to be used over long periods by increasing numbers of people, it is important to understand their unintended consequences. Only with time and accurate reporting will we be able to weigh all of the costs of these drugs against their benefits. Currently, reports like those of Dr. Graveline, the astronaut-physician and author referenced in the opening of this article, are considered anec- dotal and not of the same value as information gleaned from statistical analysis of controlled studies. But once drugs reach large populations outside medical studies, problems often do emerge.
I have my own anecdotal story to contribute here. Several years ago, knowing only that memory problems were not a listed side effect of statins, I did an Internet search for “drug
78 Departed GL Officers
Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight Rex E. Dondlinger, of the Arcadia, CA, Lodge, died December 31, 2010. At the time of his death, Member Dondlinger was serving as Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight and on the Grand Lodge Pardon Commission. He also served on the Grand Lodge Auditing and Accounting Committee from 1987 to 1991, on the Grand Lodge Lodge Activities/State Associations Commit- tee from 2001 to 2004, and was district deputy for the San Gabriel Valley District of California in 1982–1983.
Grand Lodge Committeeman David A. Barker, of the Cheyenne, WY, Lodge, died December 22, 2010. At the time of his death, Member Barker was serving on the Grand Lodge Auditing and Accounting Committee, as he had since 2004. He also served on the Grand Lodge Ritualistic Committee from 1999 to 2003 and as chairman of the Grand Lodge Ritualistic Committee in 2003–2004.
Member Barker also served as special deputy for the state of Wyoming from 1996 to 1999 and served as district deputy for the East District of Wyoming in 1982–1983. He was president of the Wyoming Elks Associa- tion in 1990–1991.
Past District Deputy Craig L. Caslavka, of the Waterloo, IA, Lodge, died January 3. Member Caslavka served as district deputy for the Northeast District of Iowa in 1977–1978 and was president of the Iowa Elks Associa- tion in 2006-–2007.
Past District Deputy Howard E. Cook, of the Ludington, MI, Lodge, died November 9, 2010. As a member of the Scottville, MI, Lodge, Member Cook served as district deputy for the West Central District of Michigan in 1989–1990.
Past District Deputy Billy L. Fox, of the Morristown, TN, Lodge, died November 17, 2010. Member Fox served as district deputy for the Upper East District of Tennessee in 1981–1982.
Past District Deputy Robert F. Glessner Jr., of the Ashland, OH, Lodge, died November 18, 2010. As a member of the Shelby, OH, Lodge, Member Glessner served as district deputy for the North Central District of Ohio in 1975–1976.
Past District Deputy Aurel W. Rendleman, of the Brownwood, TX, Lodge, died November 12, 2010. Member Rendleman served as district deputy for the North Central District of Texas in 1979–1980.
Past District Deputy Herbert T. Zimmer, of the Rice Lake, WI, Lodge, died November 16, 2010. Member Zimmer served as district deputy for the Northwest District of Wisconsin in 1989–1990. ■
related memory problems” for a friend who developed TGA symptoms within six months of beginning one of these drugs. The last thing I expected to find in the first few search results was Dr. Graveline’s description of his symptoms, which were virtually
identical to my friend’s symptoms. Like Dr. Graveline’s symptoms, my friend’s symptoms were resolved by discontinuation of the drug. Coinci- dence? Maybe. Time will tell, as long as people keep reporting their experiences. ■
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