Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly Mind (STAREE-Mind) Imaging Substudy

The STAREE-Mind imaging sub-study will examine the effect of statin treatment over a 4-year period, compared with placebo, on markers of brain health.

STAREE-Mind imaging is a sub-study nested in the Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly (STAREE) double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. STAREE is investigating whether statins can prolong good health and maintain independence amongst older people and is enrolling. STAREE-Mind imaging aims to recruit a sub-group of 340 participants, and will involve an additional suite of brain imaging in these participants, at recruitment (before medication is commenced) and at 4 years follow-up. It will provide crucial information about the clinical effects of statins on brain health in older individuals.

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants in the STAREE RCT and eligible for randomisation to study medication. * Men and women * Aged ≥70 years * Living independently in the community * Willing and able to provide informed consent and agree to participate in brain neuroimaging. * Able to attend one of the 2 sites (in Melbourne and Brisbane) where the imaging will take place. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to have magnetic resonance neuroimaging performed. * History of invasive brain surgery or known structural bran abnormalities.