Trial tests benefits of aspirin for older people
An international study with significant Australian input will test to see whether taking aspirin regularly leads to better health.
Researchers from Melbourne’s Monash University and the US-based Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research are involved in a massive clinical study to test whether taking aspirin leads to better health for older people.
The ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial has received US$50 million from the National Institute on Aging in the USA, along with $3.5 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) here in Australia.
The ambitious study will recruit 12,500 health men and women aged 70 and over in Australia and 6,500 in the US.
Half of the trial participants will take a daily low dose of aspirin over a five year period and the other half will take a placebo.
The study’s principle Australian investigator, Professor John McNeill said the chief concern was the health and wellbeing of older people.
“We want to look at the potential of aspirin to improve the health of older Australians, something that is increasingly important as the population ages,” he said.
“This age group has not previously been studied in sufficient numbers to inform health guidelines.”
Professor McNeill said aspirin should help prevent heart attacks and some forms of stroke.
There is even some evidence suggesting it may prevent mental decline and some forms of cancer.
“However, aspirin is also known to have side effects, such as increased bleeding, that may offset its benefits,” said Professor McNeill.
