Low-Dose Aspirin Linked to Lower Dementia Risk in Some Older Adults With Specific Genes
A Monash University analysis of ASPREE trial data found that older adults with a genetic score linked to platelet count had about a 70 percent lower relative risk of dementia when taking low-dose aspirin. The same group also experienced more major bleeding events. Researchers say the result needs further testing and could help move prevention toward a more personalized approach.
The study drew on genetic and health data from over 13,500 older participants in the ASPREE trial. It focused on a polygenic score tied to platelet count and compared dementia outcomes among people in the top fifth of that score. In that subgroup, dementia occurred in 1% of aspirin users versus 3.3% of placebo users, a relative reduction of about 70%, or roughly 23 fewer cases per 1,000 people.
Major bleeding was also more frequent in the same high-score group: 4.4% with aspirin versus 2.1% with placebo, about 23 extra events per 1,000. The signal did not align with known Alzheimer’s genetic risks, suggesting platelet biology as a possible avenue.
If confirmed, this finding could affect how older adults and clinicians discuss dementia prevention, particularly for those with a platelet-related genetic profile. Aspirin’s bleeding risk may temper enthusiasm, so decisions could remain highly individual. Families and caregivers might also weigh hope against uncertainty. Wider use of genetic scoring could raise questions about access, cost, and equitable implementation, though no policy change is implied by this early result.