ASPREE-XT (eXTension) is a follow-up observational study to investigate if there are possible long term health benefits following a period of being on low dose aspirin. Recent studies suggest that taking aspirin for 4 – 5 years may reduce the incidence and spread of some cancers, such as bowel cancer, however this may not be evident until many years later.

ASPREE-XT will help determine possible long term effects of aspirin on dementia and other diseases associated with ageing. It is thought that aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties may help delay the onset or progress of some diseases over a long period. However, this theory has not been proven.

ASPREE-XT is an opportunity to understand factors that, in the long term, affect quality of life for older people. In addition to the aspirin question, ASPREE-XT also aims to identify the impact that medical conditions, lifestyle, the environment and genetics have on an older person’s thinking and memory and physical function. Our participants contribute consistent, ‘real world’ health information to this research. Sharing their experience of ageing (in wellness or illness) will in turn inform the medical care given to future generations to help them maintain quality of life.

Because ASPREE-XT builds on existing high quality data collected in the ASPREE study, only ASPREE participants are eligible to enrol.

The face-to face annual study visits will be shorter, there will be no study tablets to take, no fasting blood test and phone calls will be six monthly. We hope to continue to hold these visits at the participant’s GP clinic or a community venue. Whatever their circumstance, we will try to see participants in person.
Participants will likely see familiar faces at XT study visits and hear a familiar voice on the other end of the phone – many of the ASPREE research team have stayed on to work on the ASPREE-XT project.

It is anticipated that ASPREE-XT will run for five years in Australia and the US. Our investigators are applying for funding to continue face-to-face ASPREE-XT study visits until 2022.