Chelsea

Researchers are evaluating the impact of atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, on preventing death, dementia, and persistent disability in adults aged 75 years and older who do not have cardiovascular disease or dementia. This large, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 4 study aims to understand the benefits of statins in older adults living in the community. The trial also examines secondary outcomes such as mild cognitive impairment and cardiovascular events. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either atorvastatin 40 mg daily or a matching placebo. The study plans to enroll about 20,000 participants from around 100 sites across the U.S., including both VA and non-VA locations. The treatment will continue for up to 5 years, with the median follow-up estimated at 3.8 years. Study drugs will be mailed directly to participants every 90 days to support adherence, and telehealth enrollment options are available. Participants will undergo initial assessments including physical function tests and blood draws for lipid panels. Follow-up assessments will occur annually by phone to monitor cognitive and physical function, with in-person visits if needed. Cardiovascular events and other health outcomes will be tracked through electronic health records and national databases. The main outcomes measured include the number of participants without new diagnoses of dementia or persistent disability after 4 years. Safety and adherence are monitored through regular contact and data collection throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating a culturally sensitive, telephone-based problem-solving program designed to improve both physical and mental health in Veterans with heart failure. This study aims to enhance self-management and coping skills to support rehabilitation and independent living at home. It uses a single-group, repeated measures design to assess feasibility, program effectiveness, and sustainability of benefits in Veterans across the United States. Participants will partner with a registered nurse in a 12-week telehealth program consisting of eight telephone sessions. They will receive a manual with common heart failure problems and tailored management strategies, especially for rural contexts. The nurse will guide participants through prioritizing problems and developing strategies to manage them, with follow-up sessions to review progress and adjust plans. Participants will complete baseline assessments using various surveys on self-care, symptoms, mood, quality of life, stress, resilience, coping, and healthcare use. Follow-up data will be collected at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after the intervention to measure ongoing effects. All data collection is conducted by phone, and researchers will analyze outcomes such as symptom changes, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and healthcare utilization over time.