Aspirin trial for elderly underway
Ballarat residents are invited to join Australia’s largest ever disease prevention medical trial, conducted by researchers from Monash University. The APREE study will test whether taking aspirin contributes to the maintenance of good health in the elderly, and help determine if aspirin should be prescribed to everyone over 70.
Ballarat residents are invited to join Australia’s largest ever disease prevention medical trial, conducted by researchers from Monash University.
The APREE study will test whether taking aspirin contributes to the maintenance of good health in the elderly, and help determine if aspirin should be prescribed to everyone over 70.
In co-operation with the United States Berman Centre for Clinical Research, Monash University will recruit 19,000 people over 70 years of age to participate in the trial.
Ballarat GP, Dr Kiernan Halliburton said the study was extremely relevant for Australia’s ageing population.
“It is very important to answer the question that is the subject of much debate among health professionals here in Australia and overseas,” Dr Halliburton said.
“Do the health benefits of aspirin outweigh the risks in people over 70?” he continued.
He said the study would answer the question for the first time in a study of this scale.
Participants will be recruited in towns and cities from Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.
Half of the participants will receive 100mg of enteric coated aspirin, while the other half will be given a matching placebo.
