Harmless supplement may help

Dear Dr. Gott: Shortly after my doctor prescribed a statin drug for me, I saw an item in my local newspaper written by a pharmacist warning that Coenzyme Q10 was depleted by the use of statins.

I discussed this with my doctor, who had no objection to my taking the supplement, so I started taking 100 milligrams twice a day (morning and night). For whatever reason, I have had absolutely no side effects from the statin medication, which has brought my cholesterol back to normal limits.

I am a retired registered nurse and an avid reader of your column, especially of what may concern me.

Dear Reader: Unless you were experiencing side effects that were relieved by the Co-Q10, there is no evidence that this supplement was beneficial to you. You may simply be one of the vast majority of individuals who don’t experience side effects from statin therapy.

That being said, while I have no personal experience with coenzyme Q10 eliminating statin side effects, I have received a few letters from people who claim that it relieved their aching muscles.

I am unaware of any reports that show a relation between statin use and depletion of Co-Q10, but the supplement is harmless and may be of benefit to some. If you feel you have avoided side effects from your cholesterol-lowering therapy by using it, then continue to do so.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Cholesterol.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: Two and a half years ago, my parents informed my four siblings and me that we were all to use deodorant without aluminum in order to avoid the buildup of aluminum found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. My family has tried nearly every type of nonaluminum deodorant without success. I once replaced my parents’ liquid deodorant with water for a few days, and they didn’t notice any difference.

Now, after several embarrassing summers, we are trying to go back to a normal deodorant that actually works, as we have been informed that the Alzheimer’s/aluminum theory is invalid. What are your thoughts on this?

Dear Reader: Years ago, aluminum as an antiperspirant was considered to be harmful. Although the relation to dementia has been invalidated, I still advise patients to avoid antiperspirants and stick to aluminum-free deodorants. These are less harmful to the body because they simply block the odor rather than stopping the perspiration. If, however, you wish to switch back to traditional antiperspirants and deodorants, do so.

On to Alzheimer’s: There is no cure and no sure-fire prevention for this dreadful condition. Emerging science is showing us, however, that there are some foods (such as blueberries) that seem to benefit the brain. It is also important to keep our brains as active and sharp as possible by challenging ourselves with logical thinking and creativity. There are some medications available that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s after diagnosis, but there is no way to prevent worsening, only ways to delay its arrival.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Alzheimer’s Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.