Every morning Caroline Nott swallows a 100-milligram tablet and wonders what is inside the coating. It might be aspirin, or it might be a harmless placebo.
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In any case, Mrs Nott, of Barton, says her health remains unchanged. ''It hasn't made any difference yet,'' she said.
Mrs Nott is one of more than 500 people from the Canberra region who have volunteered to take part in a study which is seeking to determine whether aspirin should be prescribed to all healthy people over 70.
Those over 70 must be be in good health and cannot have previously suffered from heart disease or a stroke. Half are taking aspirin and the other half the placebo. More than 19,000 people will take part in the trial, which is being led by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne and the Berman Centre for Outcomes and Clinical Research in the United States.
Mrs Nott said it was a privilege to take part in the trial.
''I'm passionate about Canberra. I love it here, it's a great city, and I am lucky enough to have good health - touch wood. But we also have quite a family background in medicine,'' she said.
''When I'm given an opportunity I feel it's my obligation - which is not a hardship - to be part of the trial and see if it can help others.''
The principal emedical researcher for ASPREE [Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly] in Australia, Professor John McNeil, said the project team wanted to learn more about the potential of aspirin to help maintain the good health in older people. ''Doctors know that aspirin should help to prevent heart attacks and some forms of stroke, and research indicates that aspirin may also prevent mental decline. However, aspirin is also known to have side effects, such as increased bleeding, that may offset its benefits,'' he said. ''ASPREE will provide the evidence to settle the question of whether aspirin's benefits outweigh the risks for older Australians.''
Study volunteer Barbara Parsons, of Wanniassa, recently had her first annual health assessment with researchers.
''They have a three-monthly phone call to see how one's getting on and at one stage they sent along a letter asking about general health and your abilities and so on. During the annual assessment, it goes through all that sort of thing again,'' Mrs Parsons said.
People considering volunteering for the trial can call 1800 728 745 to register their interest or go to www.aspree.org for more information.
