Understanding how statins affect Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Official title: Illuminating our understanding of statins and Alzheimers Disease and Dementia using modern causal inference methods
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11061931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cholesterol-lowering medications called statins might affect brain health and the chances of developing Alzheimer's or other types of dementia, especially as it relates to different ages and health conditions, to help everyone better understand their impact on memory and thinking.
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 start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $720,472 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081973-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are currently using statins and may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not taking statins or who do not have concerns about Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of statins, commonly prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol, on cognitive health and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By utilizing large observational data sources and modern causal inference methods, the study aims to clarify whether statins have beneficial or harmful effects on cognition, particularly considering variations in patient characteristics such as age and health status. The research seeks to address existing knowledge gaps and improve understanding of how statin treatment may influence the risk of developing dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in patients taking statins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the cognitive effects of statins, indicating that this investigation could provide valuable insights into a largely unexplored area.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.