Improving the gastrointestinal tolerability of aspirin in older people

Julia L Newton

Institute for Ageing and Health, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Care of the Elderly Offices, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Abstract: Interventions to reduce mortality and disability in older people are vital. Aspirin is cheap and effective and known to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer dementia. The widespread use of aspirin in older people is limited by its gastrointestinal side effects. Understanding age-related changes in gastrointestinal physiology that could put older people at risk of the side effects of aspirin may direct strategies to improve tolerance and hence lead to greater numbers of older people being able to take this effective intervention.

Keywords: aspirin, gastrointestinal side effects, gastrointestinal physiology, older people