Investigating if a moderate-intensity statin can prevent dementia in older adults

PREVENTABLE Clinical Sites Core

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10913416

This study is looking for older adults aged 75 and up, who don’t have dementia or heart disease, to see if taking a moderate-intensity statin can help prevent dementia, including Alzheimer's, while keeping track of their brain health and well-being over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10913416 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research involves a collaboration between the National Patient-Centered Research Network and the VA network, focusing on older adults without dementia or cardiovascular disease. Approximately 20,000 participants aged 75 and older will be randomly assigned to receive a moderate-intensity statin to assess its effectiveness in preventing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to include a diverse demographic from various healthcare systems and VA hospitals across the U.S., ensuring representation from both urban and rural areas. Participants will be monitored for their cognitive health and overall well-being over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 75 and above who do not have dementia or cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who already have clinically evident dementia or significant cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies for dementia, potentially improving the quality of life for older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using statins for cognitive health, but this specific approach in preventing dementia is novel and untested.

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 disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.