Investigating if statins can prevent frailty in older adults

PREVENTABLE Frailty Ancillary Study

NIH-funded research Boston VA Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11036361

This study is looking at whether the medication atorvastatin can help older adults aged 75 and up stay stronger and healthier by preventing or slowing down frailty, which can lead to serious health problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston VA Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11036361 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on older adults, specifically those aged 75 and older, to determine if the medication atorvastatin can help prevent or slow the progression of frailty. Frailty is a common condition in this age group that can lead to serious health issues, including disability and dementia. Participants will be part of a larger trial that assesses the effects of atorvastatin compared to a placebo, with specific evaluations of physical performance and health outcomes. The study aims to provide evidence on whether statins can improve the quality of life for older adults by addressing frailty.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 75 and older who are free of cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 75 or those with existing cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies for frailty, improving health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While statins have been widely studied for cardiovascular disease prevention, this specific investigation into their effects on frailty in older adults is novel and has not been previously tested.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
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.