This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Alzheimer's disease (abbreviated AD) is an illness that causes increasing difficulty in the ability to think and remember. The decline of thinking and memory is known as 'dementia,' and AD is the most common cause of dementia in the U.S. The exact cause of AD is not known. There is some evidence that one way to slow down or help prevent AD may be to lower cholesterol. This research project will study whether a drug called simvastatin, which is an FDA-approved drug commonly used to lower cholesterol, might also help reduce AD symptoms. Approximately 10 participants are expected to be enrolled at this site. There will be 400 participants enrolled in this research study at approximately 40 study sites in the United States. To be enrolled, a person must be 50 years old and above and have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Medical condition and physical health must be acceptable as determined by medical history, a doctor's examination and laboratory tests. Some people may not be eligible to participate if they are using medications that are not allowed, or if the doctor determines they do not qualify based on their results from a set of cognitive and physical tests. If a person is pregnant or allergic to study medication, they must not participate. People who participate will be randomly assigned to receive simvastatin or a placebo. Randomly means by chance, like flipping a coin. Placebo means an inactive substance, sometimes called a 'dummy pill' or 'sugar pill.' A placebo is not expected to have any effect on AD. Participants will take study medication for 18 months, and will come to the clinic 8 times. During the clinic visits, they will have tests of their thinking and memory, and blood samples will be drawn. Researchers will measure whether there is any difference in thinking and memory skills between people who were on simvastatin compared to people who were on placebo.
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