Investigating the effects of statins on preventing dementia in older adults

PREVENTABLE Data Coordinating Center

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10913408

This study is looking at whether taking moderate-intensity statins can help prevent dementia, like Alzheimer's, in older adults aged 75 and up who don’t have heart disease, and it aims to see if these medications can help them stay healthier for longer despite other health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10913408 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the role of moderate-intensity statins in preventing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in older adults aged 75 and above who do not have clinically evident coronary heart disease. The study aims to evaluate how these medications can prolong disability-free survival in patients with various health challenges, such as frailty and mild cognitive impairment. The Data Coordinating Center will oversee all data management and ensure the trial's success through careful monitoring and support for clinical sites. Patients will be actively followed up to assess the effectiveness and safety of the intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 75 and above who are at risk for dementia but do not have evident coronary heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients under 75 years old or those with clinically evident coronary heart disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using statins for cardiovascular health, but this specific approach to dementia prevention is relatively novel.

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.