April 17, 2026, 3:09 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Does aspirin protect against dementia? Many older people take the blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots and strokes. It is believed that the brain could also benefit. A new study has now examined whether this is true.
Aspirin has enjoyed a good reputation for nearly 130 years. It is affordable, relieves pain, helps with circulatory disorders, and can even increase the chances of a successful pregnancy in certain cases.1 But the older generation is also said to benefit from the much-praised medication. The pharmaceutical company Bayer advertises that low-dose aspirin can prevent temporary insufficient blood flow in the brain.2 Since dementia is also associated with damaged blood vessels and circulatory disorders in the brain, aspirin could have a protective effect in this regard. This is a relevant research question. A survey found that 30 million Americans aged 40 and older take aspirin for health prevention.3
Brains of 600 People Examined
The study is part of the large ASPREE main study with over 19,000 participants from Australia and the U.S. This study investigated whether low-dose aspirin (100 milligrams) can prevent various diseases such as cancer or heart attack. About 600 clinically healthy participants aged 70 and older took part in the dementia study, which was recently published in the journal “The Lancet.”4 They took aspirin or a placebo daily for four to five years. Researchers then used MRI and eye examinations to determine how much their brains and retinas had changed in the meantime, focusing particularly on the smallest damages in the white matter and eye vessels.
Does Aspirin Reduce the Risk of Dementia? Researchers Find a Clear Answer
The imaging techniques chosen by the researchers showed changes in both the placebo and aspirin groups. However, the differences were so minor that they could just as well be random. The research team thus reached a sobering conclusion: Aspirin neither slows brain aging nor prevents small vascular damages in the brain. No significant differences were observed in the retina either. Regarding dementia, there is no substantial evidence of protective effects from aspirin.
Also of interest: “Normal” Forgetfulness or Dementia? The Differences
Lowering Your “bad” Cholesterol Can Reduce Dementia Risk by 26 Percent
8 Reasons to Eat Blueberries Every Day
Causes Are More Complex
The researchers conclude that the increase in minor brain damage with age is apparently not solely due to blood clots. Factors such as high blood pressure, inflammatory processes, or metabolic problems likely also play a role. These are all processes that aspirin cannot influence.
Why the Study Is Important Despite the “Disappointing” Result
The long observation period and objective measurement methods suggest a solid result. And even though it would have been almost too good to be true to prevent dementia with aspirin, the study highlights something fundamental: To reduce risk, it is not enough to take a pill daily. More crucial is the interplay of several factors, which are best influenced by a healthy lifestyle. Research has long provided evidence for this. Exercise, a balanced diet, and a positive, mindful attitude are among the most effective measures (FITBOOK reported).