Researchers investigating whether statins can prevent dementia and other disabilities in older adults

Patients interested in enrolling in the PREVENTABLE study must be over the age of 75, not currently taking a statin, and not diagnosed with dementia or any other significant disability. (Photo by Getty Images)

Researchers are hoping to determine if taking a statin could help prevent dementia and other functional disabilities in older adults. The randomized, controlled study, Pragmatic Evaluation of Events and Benefits of Lipid-lowering in Older Adults (PREVENTABLE), is enrolling patients over the age of 75.

Statins are commonly used to lower cholesterol, and to help prevent stroke and heart attack.

“This is one of the few national studies that is occurring in older adults,” said Jessica Lee, MD, assistant professor of geriatrics with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and principal investigator on the study. “We are trying to clarify whether or not statins can be used as a primary prevention of dementia and functional disabilities in older adults.”

Eligible patients must be over the age of 75, not currently taking a statin, and not diagnosed with dementia or any other significant disability.

Once enrolled, patients will be given the study drug, Atorvastatin 40mg, or a placebo to take daily, have their blood drawn, and take brief memory and physical tests.

“We don’t yet know if there is going to be a direct benefit to the patient, but we are really trying to see if it helps. If it does then maybe we should start giving it as primary source of prevention for these diseases that can be quite debilitating, and hopefully it will help these patients live a longer and healthier life,” Lee said.

For more information, or to enroll in the PREVENTABLE study, contact study coordinator Kim Johnson, kim.n.johnson@uth.tmc.edu, or 713-500-7904.

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