Cholesterol is an indispensable component of the cell membrane and plays vital roles in critical physiological processes. Brain cholesterol accounts for a large portion of total cholesterol in the human body, and its content must be tightly regulated to ensure normal brain function. Disorders of cholesterol metabolism in the brain are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and other atypical cognitive deficits that arise at old age. However, the specific role of cholesterol metabolism disorder in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases has not been fully elucidated. Statins that are a class of lipid-lowering drugs have been reported to have a positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we reviewed the physiological and pathological conditions of cholesterol metabolism and discussed the possible mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism and statin therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.

胆固醇是细胞膜不可或缺的成分，在关键的生理过程中起着至关重要的作用。脑胆固醇占人体内总胆固醇的很大一部分，其含量必须受到严格调控，才能保证大脑功能正常。大脑中胆固醇代谢紊乱与神经退行性疾病有关，包括阿尔茨海默病 (AD)、帕金森病 (PD)、亨廷顿病 (HD) 和其他老年时出现的非典型认知缺陷。然而，胆固醇代谢紊乱在神经退行性疾病发病机制中的具体作用尚未完全阐明。据报道，作为一类降脂药物的他汀类药物对神经退行性疾病具有积极作用。在此处，