ASPREE Analysis Links Aspirin to Lower Dementia Risk in a Genetic Subgroup

A genetic analysis of more than 13,500 ASPREE participants found lower dementia incidence with low-dose aspirin among those in the highest fifth of platelet-count genetic scores. Major bleeding was also more frequent in this subgroup, and the finding requires confirmation before it can guide prevention decisions.

Dementia incidence was 1% versus 3.3% in the highest genetic-score group.
Major bleeding occurred in 4.4% versus 2.1%.
The subgroup finding requires replication and a targeted clinical trial.

Researchers from Monash University analyzed genetic data from more than 13,500 participants in the ASPREE trial, which compared low-dose aspirin with placebo in older adults. They examined whether genetic scores associated with platelet count modified the relationship between treatment and dementia incidence.

Among participants in the highest 20% of platelet-count genetic scores, dementia occurred in 1% of aspirin users and 3.3% of placebo recipients—an approximately 70% lower relative risk. Major bleeding in the same subgroup occurred in 4.4% of aspirin users and 2.1% of placebo recipients.

The authors said the genetic signal was not linked to established dementia risk genes and may warrant further study of platelet biology. This subgroup finding needs confirmation in other populations and testing in a trial designed for people with the identified profile. It does not establish that aspirin prevents dementia in this group; the higher bleeding rate is an important countervailing finding.

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Alzheimer\'s (via ScienceDaily): Low-dose aspirin linked to 70% lower dementia risk, but there's a catch ↗

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