Low dose aspirin linked to lower dementia risk in specific genetic profiles

Daily low-dose aspirin is associated with a 70 percent lower relative risk of dementia in older adults who carry a specific genetic profile, ScienceDaily and SSBCrack reported. Previous population-wide studies found no overall protective effect from the medication against cognitive decline. The new finding suggests that genetic differences explain why some individuals experience protective benefits from the drug while others do not. [1][2][3]

A new analysis conducted by researchers at Monash University identified the link between the medication and reduced dementia risk. The investigators examined older adults to determine how specific genetic characteristics influence the effectiveness of daily low-dose aspirin. [1]

Aspirin is the generic term for acetylsalicylic acid, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The medication also acts as an antithrombotic agent and is routinely used to treat inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease, pericarditis, and rheumatic fever. [4]

The discovery highlights how individual genetic variations can alter the preventive effects of common medications. Further research is required to clarify which specific genetic markers respond to low-dose aspirin treatment before clinical guidelines can be updated. [1]