Stories
Low-Dose Aspirin May Slash Dementia Risk by 70% in Genetically Predisposed Adults
- •A genetic study suggests low-dose aspirin could reduce dementia risk by 70% in older adults with a specific genetic profile influencing platelet counts.
- •The findings, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia, indicate a personalized approach to dementia prevention may be possible.
- •Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 13,500 individuals in the ASPREE Trial, finding a 3.5-fold reduction in dementia risk for those with the highest platelet genetic quintile taking aspirin.
- •Despite the potential benefit, the study also revealed an increased risk of serious bleeding (4.4% vs 2.1% placebo) in this group.
- •Experts caution against self-medication and emphasize the need for further research to confirm these findings and test them in targeted trials.
Key Questions Answered
A genetic analysis indicates that low-dose aspirin is associated with a 70 per cent lower risk of dementia among older adults who possess a specific genetic profile influencing platelet counts, reducing the risk 3.5-fold in the highest platelet genetic quintile.
While aspirin may lower dementia risk for certain individuals, it also increases the risk of serious bleeding. Major bleeding occurred in 4.4 per cent of participants taking aspirin within the specific genetic group, compared to 2.1 per cent of those receiving a placebo.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from the ASPREE Trial (Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly), screening the genetic scores of more than 13,500 individuals to investigate how a person's genes influence aspirin's effect on dementia risk.
