{"id":44444,"date":"2021-07-22T10:00:27","date_gmt":"2021-07-22T14:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.szpin.ca\/?p=44444"},"modified":"2023-06-18T17:01:25","modified_gmt":"2023-06-18T21:01:25","slug":"aspirin-low-dose-panacea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.szpin.ca\/aspirin-low-dose-panacea\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspirin: low dose panacea?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"\"Aspirin is often promoted as the medical panacea for many ailments and as a preventive measure against heart desease, strokes, Alzheimer’s and dementia. McMaster University research debunks the myths and comments on the truth.<\/p>\n

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Globally, over 55 million lives were lost in 2019 due to a variety of causes. More than 30 million of those deaths, however, can be attributed to just 10 diseases or conditions. Amongst this list are the usual suspects, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementias, and specific types of cancer (1). Given the staggering contribution to morbidity and mortality, it comes as no surprise that researchers, health professionals, and the general public are actively studying, prescribing, and seeking different strategies to keep these diseases and conditions at bay.<\/p>\n

Is it true that aspirin is able to prevent some major threats to our health and well-being, threats such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementias, and specific types of cancer? Read more about the research and the myth-busting results below [ Click the colored links for more information ] :<\/p>\n

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  1. Cardiovascular health<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The use of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular events\u2014such as heart attacks\u2014in healthy adults is a controversial yet commonly prescribed approach. Research shows that in adults without a history of heart disease, aspirin use may slightly reduce the risk of heart attack<\/em>, compared to taking a placebo or nothing at all. However, it does not appear to reduce the risk of stroke, death from any cause, or death from heart disease-related complications. Evidence also suggests that aspirin use can increase the risk of experiencing major bleeding<\/strong>, including bleeding in the skull and brain<\/em>. These results do NOT apply to people with a history of heart disease or stroke.<\/p>\n

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    1. Dementia prevention<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The exploration of the relationship between inflammation and dementia has placed a spotlight on anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin. Research shows that in healthy older adults\u2014described as those with no history of dementia, heart disease, or physical disability\u2014the use of low-dose aspirin (100 mg per day)<\/em> does not decrease the risk of developing dementia, compared to taking a placebo. It does, however, increase the risk of major bleeding<\/em> and death. This lack of benefit weighed against health risks is one reason that we are unlikely to see further studies examining the effects of low-dose aspirin on dementia prevention (4).<\/p>\n

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      1. Combating cancer<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        When it comes to cancer prevention, use of aspirin for this purpose is highly debated. Research shows that in people with no previous history of cancer, long-term aspirin use \u00a0does not reduce total cancer incidence<\/em> or total cancer deaths, compared to no aspirin use. Long-term use is accompanied by an increased risk of major bleeding and total bleeding events.<\/p>\n

        The final word
        Just like with any health-related decision, it\u2019s important to consider the whole picture. Here, this means having a good understanding of our own risk for various cardiovascular issues, dementia, and cancer, as well as weighing the potential benefits against the lack of effect and risk for serious harms through a comprehensive conversation with a health care provider.<\/p>\n

        The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n