Statins, the most effective lipid-lowering drug class, reduce plasma cholesterol levels by reversibly inhibiting hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-controlling enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Statins have pleiotropic effects that are unrelated to their lipid-lowering capability. They are immunomodulatory agents with neuroprotective qualities that have been studied in humans, animal models, and in cell culture systems. This review explores the mechanisms through which statins exert a number of effects on brain and blood vessel function that may be beneficial in neurologic disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. (Source: TheScientificWorldJOURNAL: Newly published articles.)