Can Daily Aspirin Prevent Dementia?

Many people take low-dose aspirin daily as a preventive measure against dementia, but current evidence does not support this practice for cognitive protection in the general population.

A large study published in Neurology in March 2020 found that daily low-dose aspirin (100 milligrams) did not reduce the risk of developing dementia or slow cognitive decline in older adults without pre-existing heart disease. The study included over 19,000 participants aged 70 or older, half of whom received aspirin while the other half received a placebo. Researchers concluded that aspirin provided no benefit for preventing thinking and memory problems associated with mild cognitive impairment or probable Alzheimer’s disease.

These findings align with a more recent systematic review published in October 2023, which analyzed data from multiple studies up to April 2023. The review concluded that aspirin use, even at low doses (75–100 mg), does not significantly decrease the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The analysis showed no statistically significant impact on dementia onset (hazard ratio 1.13) or Alzheimer’s disease (hazard ratio 0.91), and subgroup analysis of low-dose aspirin also failed to show protective effects.

While aspirin has well-established benefits for cardiovascular health — such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke — its potential role in brain health remains unproven for dementia prevention. Researchers had hypothesized that aspirin’s anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties might help by reducing brain inflammation, preventing small clots, or maintaining blood vessel health in the brain. However, clinical evidence has not borne out these expectations in large-scale trials.

Experts caution that aspirin is not without risks, particularly bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or brain, which must be weighed against any potential benefits. Medical guidance emphasizes that aspirin should not be taken preventively for dementia without a clear medical indication, such as a history of cardiovascular disease.

Some observational studies have suggested a possible association between aspirin use and slower cognitive decline in specific groups, such as men with Alzheimer’s disease, but these findings are not sufficient to establish causation or recommend widespread use. The overall body of evidence, particularly from randomized controlled trials, does not support aspirin as a preventive measure for dementia in the general population.

As of April 2026, major health organizations have not updated guidelines to recommend aspirin for dementia prevention. Individuals considering aspirin for brain health should consult their healthcare provider to evaluate personal risks and benefits based on their medical history.