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Memorial Hospital to Test the Benefits of Aspirin

 PAWTUCKET, RI - In an effort to extend the length of a disability-free life for older adults, researchers from Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island are partnering with colleagues from across the US and Australia in the largest international trial ever sponsored by the US National Institute on Aging (NIA).

The Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study aims to assess whether aspirin can not only prolong life, but a life free of physical disability and/or dementia for healthy older people.

According to Charles Eaton, M.D., principal investigator and director of the Brown University Center for Primary Care and Prevention at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, “This important trial will help determine whether an aspirin a day will help prevent memory loss and promote a long and healthy life.”

While it is known that aspirin prevents heart attacks and strokes in people with established heart disease– benefits that clearly outweigh any risks associated with aspirin, such as bleeding– the role of aspirin in people without a history of cardiovascular disease is less certain.  “As the population ages, it is important to identify if there are other subgroups of older adults that may also benefit from a daily dose of a common, inexpensive medication,” notes Dr. Eaton.

To date, very little information is available about the overall effects of aspirin in older adults, because most trials focus on middle-aged people. The ASPREE study, for the first time, will determine whether the potential benefits of low dose aspirin outweigh the risks specifically for people age 70 and over.

“Similar to the landmark Women’s Health Initiative, also conducted at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island,” notes Dr. Eaton, “this study will have a major impact on the treatment of all older adults for years to come.”

The ASPREE study will enroll 6,500 healthy individuals age 70 and over in 12 states in the US and another 12,500 in Australia.  Four hundred of those participants will come from Rhode Island and its surrounding regions. All eligible participants will be randomly assigned to take either low dose aspirin or placebo daily for about 5 years. More information can be found at www.ASPREE.org.

Patients will receive initial measurements on specific health markers, as well as functional and cognitive ability, and changes in these will be monitored throughout the study.

To learn more about participating in this study, please contact Liz Coccio RN  401-729-2183 or email liz_coccio@mhri.org.