Originally published: 2024-10-02T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
While around one in three people in the U.S. over the age of 75 are taking statins to lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart attack, the benefits for older adults without heart disease are not fully understood. The PREVENTABLE trial was established to help answer this question.
This is expected to be the largest-ever health study in older adults with a goal of understanding whether statins can help us live healthily longer. VA is recruiting volunteers nationwide for this trial at select VA facilities across the country. More than 40 VA hospitals are joining 100 sites across the nation to enroll 20,000 participants.
You are invited to join PREVENTABLE to update treatment guidelines and determine if statins can help adults aged 75 and over without cardiovascular disease live better by preventing dementia, disability and heart disease. The study designed to evaluate statins’ effectiveness under real-life conditions, making participation easy for research volunteers.
As a research study participant, you will help us:
- Assess the usefulness of statins for prolonging healthy life years and primary cardiovascular prevention in adults over age 75.
- Understand the usefulness of statins in addressing other common conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment, dementia and physical disability.
Participation in this study is strictly voluntary. You will go through an informed-consent process that ensures you understand the risks and benefits of joining before committing to this study.
What should you expect if you decide to participate?
Participating in PREVENTABLE is easy. You can enroll remotely, receive the study drug via mail and complete follow-up visits by phone. It’s important for you to know the study will last approximately five years.
If you join the trial, you will:
- Have blood drawn.
- Do brief memory and physical tests.
- Have one annual follow-up phone call.
- Be randomized to take the study drug or the placebo.
- Take one pill daily.
You can join the study or learn more (in English and Spanish) by calling 833-385-3899 or by visiting the study website.
Where can I get more information?
The PREVENTABLE website can help you decide to participate or not. Additionally, the nearest VA facility will offer assistance with signing up.
If you are not eligible for the trial but know a Veteran in your life who would be a good fit, please encourage them to read about the trial and sign up for PREVENTABLE.
The VA National Network Coordinating Center, led by Dr. Jacob Joseph, coordinates and assists VA sites and sponsors navigating VA regulations and privacy guidelines. The Center also provides support with central contracting of VA sites, study conduct and data collection, regulatory, privacy regulations and VA site monitoring.
Link to register for weekly PREVENTABLE informational meeting (TUESDAYS 4:00 PM EST).
Link to register for weekly PREVENTABLE informational meeting (SPANISH).
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
