Evaluating the benefits of statins in older adults to prevent dementia and disability

PRagmatic EValuation of evENTs And Benefits of Lipid-lowering in oldEr Adults (PREVENTABLE)

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10913405

This study is looking at whether statin medications can help older adults over 75 stay mentally sharp and avoid disabilities, and it’s designed to include a wide range of people in this age group who often haven't been part of similar research before.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10913405 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of statin medications on older adults, particularly those over 75 years old, to determine if they can help prevent dementia and disability. The study aims to fill the gap in clinical evidence for this age group, which has often been excluded from previous research due to higher rates of comorbidity and frailty. By using a placebo-controlled pragmatic clinical trial design, the research will assess cognitive and functional outcomes in a diverse population of older adults. Participants will be monitored for their health outcomes, focusing on survival free of dementia or persistent disability.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 75 and above, particularly those at risk for cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 75 years or those without risk factors for cardiovascular disease or dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical evidence on the effectiveness of statins in preventing cognitive decline and disability in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel as it focuses on older adults and evaluates non-CVD primary outcomes, addressing a significant gap in existing research.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer's disease and related dementiaAlzheimer's disease and related disordersAlzheimer's disease or a related dementiaAlzheimer's disease or a related disorderAlzheimer's disease or related dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.