Low-dose aspirin linked to 70% lower dementia risk, but there's a catch

Among older adults in the ASPREE Trial with the highest 20% of platelet-count genetic scores, just 1% of aspirin users developed dementia compared with 3.3% taking placebo -- approximately 70% lower relative risk. The finding suggests genetics could one day help identify who may benefit from preventive treatment.

Tested in observational analysis of trial data. Genetic testing for dementia prevention is not yet available clinically, and the aspirin group experienced higher rates of major bleeding (4.4% vs 2.1%).