The medicine found in every home that may reduce the risk of dementia by 70%

Analysis of data from a large-scale clinical trial reveals that daily low-dose aspirin reduces the relative risk of dementia by approximately 70% among individuals with a specific genetic profile. However, researchers warn of a doubled risk of severe internal bleeding and urge not to start taking aspirin without medical advice.

A new study published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, led by public health researcher Peter Fransquet from Monash University, points to significant potential for aspirin in personalized prevention of dementia. The data analysis, based on a large-scale controlled clinical trial involving over 13,500 older adults in Australia and the United States, found that among the 20% of participants with a high genetic score related to platelet count, daily low-dose aspirin reduced the relative risk of dementia by about 70% – from 3.3% in the placebo group to just 1% in the aspirin group. The effect began to emerge after about two to three years of follow-up. However, the researchers emphasize that the incidence of severe bleeding among aspirin takers was double that of the control group, and warn against independent use without medical advice. The study explains why previous research found no benefit of aspirin against dementia – the effect is limited to a specific genetic subgroup. The researchers call for validation of the findings in dedicated trials.