Could a common cholesterol drug boost brain blood flow in early memory loss?

NCT ID NCT04765137

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot trial investigates whether atorvastatin, a widely used cholesterol medication, can improve the ability of brain blood vessels to expand and increase blood flow in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants take 40 mg of atorvastatin nightly for a period, and researchers use MRI scans to measure changes in vessel reactivity. The study also looks at markers from blood cells and cognitive test scores. It includes 20 adults with MCI who are not currently on statins.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: atorvastatin (Lipitor)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to improve brain blood flow and potentially slow cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain or liver issues in some people.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins University, Bayview Medical Center
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

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