Low Dose Aspirin and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jackie F Price, Marlene C Stewart, Ian J Deary, Gordon D Murray, Peter Sandercock, Isabella Butcher, F Gerald R Fowkes
Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Does low dose aspirin affect cognitive function in middle aged to elderly adults at increased cardiovascular risk?
Conclusion
Low dose aspirin does not affect cognitive function in middle aged to elderly people at increased cardiovascular risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants were randomly assigned to receive either low dose aspirin or placebo.
- Results showed no significant difference in cognitive function between the aspirin and placebo groups.
- The study included a large sample size of 3350 participants.
Takeaway
Taking a low dose of aspirin every day for five years doesn't help older people think better or remember things.
Methodology
Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial conducted over five years with cognitive function tests at baseline and follow-up.
Potential Biases
Participants with poorer cognitive function were more likely to withdraw from the study.
Limitations
A high proportion of participants (30%) failed to complete cognitive tests at follow-up, which could bias results.
Participant Demographics
Men and women aged over 50 at moderately increased cardiovascular risk.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.20
Confidence Interval
0.79 to 1.05
Statistical Significance
p=0.20
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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