Daily Low-Dose Aspirin Linked to 70% Lower Dementia Risk for Specific Genetic Group
A new study reveals that daily low-dose aspirin reduces dementia risk by 70% specifically in individuals with a genetic marker linked to high platelet counts, though bleeding risks remain high.
A widely used and inexpensive medication could hold the key to personalized dementia prevention, according to a new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. Analyzing data from a large-scale clinical trial involving more than 13,500 older adults in Australia and the United States, researchers found that a daily low-dose aspirin is associated with a roughly 70% reduction in the relative risk of developing dementia—strictly among individuals with a specific genetic profile.
Genetic Subgroup and Key Findings
Led by public health researcher Peter Fransecky from Monash University, the study is the first to identify a genetic subset capable of deriving cognitive benefits from aspirin. Researchers categorized trial participants using a genetic score linked to high blood platelet counts. Among the top quintile—the 20% with the highest genetic score—about 3.3% of those who received a placebo developed dementia, compared to only 1% among those who took aspirin daily.
"The findings explain why previous studies failed to find a benefit for aspirin against dementia: past research examined all subjects as a single group, whereas the beneficial effect appears limited to specific blood platelet biology." — Research Team
Risks and Future Research
Alongside the promising outlook, researchers emphasize significant health risks: during the trial, the incidence of severe bleeding among aspirin users was double that of the control group. Experts strongly warn against starting aspirin for dementia prevention without consulting a physician, citing the elevated risk of life-threatening hemorrhages. Further dedicated clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
