ASPREE is a large-scale double-blind controlled trial to determine the effect of low-dose aspirin versus placebo over a 5 year treatment period, for the prevention of cardiovascular events (fatal and non fatal) in subjects aged > 70 years without known cardiovascular disease. Additional aims are to investigate aspirin effects on all cause mortality, dementia, hemorrhagic stroke, preservation of cognitive function, gastrointestinal bleeds, and other clinical significant bleeding, carcinoma, thromboembolism, institutionalization, disability, cost-effectiveness, depression and quality of life.
Low dose aspirin therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of vascular events in a wide range of primary and secondary settings and there is increasing evidence of its potential to reduce the rate of intellectual decline in older subjects. However, part of the benefit of aspirin may be offset by a variety of adverse effects. The balance of risks and benefits has not been established in older subjects.
