How statins may affect Alzheimer's and other dementias
Illuminating our understanding of statins and Alzheimers Disease and Dementia using modern causal inference methods
This project uses large health records and modern analysis methods to see whether taking statins changes the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take statins or are thinking about them, this project looks at millions of medical records to understand links between statin use and later dementia. Researchers will apply modern causal inference techniques to carefully compare people who start statins with similar people who do not, aiming to reduce the biases that have made past results unclear. They will examine whether effects differ by age, sex, and other chronic conditions to find who might benefit or be harmed. The work uses existing U.S. administrative and clinical data rather than new clinical visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults age 21 and older who currently take statins, have cardiovascular risk factors, or are covered in large U.S. health record systems would be the most relevant group for these findings.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without linked medical records in the data sources, or those with types of dementia not captured in the databases may not be included or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help doctors tailor cholesterol treatment to lower dementia risk or avoid harm for certain patients.
How similar studies have performed: Two large clinical trials found no short-term cognitive benefit from statins and observational studies have been mixed, so applying modern causal methods to big records is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeki Al Hazzouri, Adina — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zeki Al Hazzouri, Adina
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.