Guideline / position statementindependent cross-checkabstract checked I-SRC-132 standard review
When older adults can stop statins
Deprescribing statins for adults 65 years of age and older: Evidence-based clinical practice guideline.
Overview
Thompson W et al.. Can Fam Physician 2026 · PMID 42728062 · DOI 10.46747/cfp.7209534
A 2026 guideline suggests stopping statins near the end of life but continuing them in other older adults.
Does the study support the specific claim? Partly · Methodological quality: moderate
Plain-language summary
Study explained simply
- What did the researchers want to find out?
Guide statin stopping in older people
- How was the study done?
GRADE guideline
- How many people, animals or samples were studied?
Adults 65+
- What was actually found?
Stop at end of life; otherwise continue
- How large was the observed effect?
not applicable
- What do the results mean in everyday life?
Stopping is an individual medical decision
- What are the study's limitations?
Abstract only
- What does it say about Elawady's specific claim?
Partly fits (some can stop), but not a ban
- Do the results apply to Germany and Europe?
Moderate
Scientific in-depth review
1. Full reference
- Authors
- Thompson W et al.
- Journal
- Can Fam Physician
- Year
- 2026
- Identifier
- PMID 42728062 DOI 10.46747/cfp.7209534
- Verification
- verified – PubMed efetch 2026-10-26; Crossref works record checked
- Retracted
- no
- Corrections
- none
- Extent checked
- abstract only
- Conflicts of interest and funding
Not stated in record.
2. Research question
When should statins be continued or stopped in adults aged 65 and older?
3. Study design and population
- Study design
- Guideline / position statement – Evidence-based clinical practice guideline (GRADE) on statin deprescribing
- Population
Adults >=65 years taking statins
- Country
Canada
- Period
2026
- Sample size
not applicable
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
not applicable
4. Methods and endpoints
- Exposure / intervention
Statin discontinuation
- Comparator
Continuation
- Endpoints
Recommendations
- Statistical methods
GRADE
5. Actual results
- Results
Panel suggests deprescribing statins in older adults at the end of life; continuing statins for primary and for secondary prevention in older adults not at the end of life; offering a conversation about continuing or stopping for select patients; decisions tailored to the individual.
- Absolute risks
not applicable
- Authors' conclusion
Supports patient-centred decisions about statin use in older adults.
6. Strengths
- GRADE, patient involvement
- Current (2026)
7. Weaknesses
- Abstract only
8. Risk of bias
- Orienting tool
- none applicable
- Type of assessment
- simplified assessment (abstract only)
- Full formal assessment
- no
- Overall risk of bias
- not assessable
- Rationale
Guideline.
9. Assessment of the statistical interpretation
Not applicable.
10. Relevance to the specific claim
Shows the legitimate kernel: stopping statins is appropriate in some situations (end of life), decided individually. It also recommends continuing statins in other older adults, contradicting a general ban.
11. Independent contrary findings
12. Transferability to Germany and Europe
Canadian; principles transferable.
13. Overall methodological judgement
Balanced guidance.
| Multidimensional assessment | |
|---|---|
| Authenticity of the source | verified |
| Methodological quality | moderate |
| Risk of bias | not assessable |
| Precision of results | not applicable |
| Directness | direct |
| Reproducibility | unknown |
| Consistency with the overall evidence | consistent |
| Regional transferability | moderate |
| Adequacy of the interpretation (by the archive) | not applicable |
14. Open questions
15. Linked fact checks
- For six or seven years he alone has said that statins (Crestor, Ator, Lipitor) are forbidden, and that Controloc (pantoprazole) is forbidden. – Studies with mixed or unclear results