Researchers hope to learn if aspirin can fight dementia

ThCaregivers and healthcare professionals, here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals,

Your residents will love the Amazon Kindle Fire

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care  professionals to get an easyceu or two

Follow alzheimersideas on twitter

The Dementia Caregiver's Little Book of Hope [Kindle Edition

e University of Texas Health Science Center is looking for more people to help them find answers to this question.

The Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen is one of about 30 sites in the country where the study is being conducted, Dr. Sara Espinoza, the local principal investigator, said.

The study is called Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly. The study’s principal investigator is Dr. Richard Grimm, medical director of the Berman Center for Outcomes and Clinical Research in Minneapolis.

“We know that aspirin prevents heart disease and stroke in middle-aged people,” said Espinoza, an associate professor of medicine at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. “There is some evidence that aspirin may prevent dementia or cognitive impairment.”

Past studies suggest that aspirin, as an anti-inflammatory drug, could be a protective for dementia, she said.

The study includes persons 65 and older who are in good health. Some will be given aspirin; others will take a placebo. They will then be monitored annually for five years. Harlingen residents participating in the study are tested and examined at the RAHC’s Clinical Research Unit.

Espinoza said the study has far-reaching effects because conditions such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, could be caused by inflammation.

Diabetes is considered an inflammatory condition, and that can lead to disability. Therefore, the study is also being conducted to see if aspirin can reduce the possibility of people becoming disabled to the point where they are unable to care for themselves.

The study is also being conducted at sites in Australia, begun about two years ago. Espinoza said the study’s operators intend to enroll people in the program until December, but the deadline could be extended.

The South Texas site, which includes the RAHC as an extension of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, has about 219 subjects enrolled, Espinoza said, with 25 to 30 enrolled in Harlingen.

Travis M. Whitehead writes for the Valley Morning Star in Harlingen. 

 ASPIRIN STUDY

>> Persons interested in participating in the study can call 1 (877) 524-3265 or visit www.ASPREE.org.