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Aspirin for vascular dementia.
P S Williams1, G Rands, M Orrel
1Forensic Psychiatry, Enfield Community Care NHS Trust, Flat 5, 35 Haringey Park, Crouch End, London, UK, N8 9JD. plastix@cableinet.co.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 18, 2000
Summary
Current research shows no evidence that aspirin benefits patients with vascular dementia. More studies are needed to understand aspirin
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Aspirin is frequently prescribed for patients diagnosed with vascular dementia, despite unanswered questions regarding its efficacy and safety.
- Concerns exist about whether aspirin improves cognition or prognosis in vascular dementia patients.
- The potential risks of aspirin, such as cerebral or gastric hemorrhage, need to be weighed against any benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness of aspirin for treating vascular dementia.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of computerized databases, relevant websites, and journals was conducted by two independent reviewers.
- Specialists were consulted for unpublished data, and all identified publications were cross-referenced for additional studies.
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included after systematic assessment of study design quality and risk of bias.
Main Results:
- No eligible trials were identified for inclusion in this systematic review.
- The search for relevant research, including unpublished material, was last conducted in February 2000.
Conclusions:
- There is currently no evidence to support the effectiveness of aspirin in treating vascular dementia.
- Further research is required to determine aspirin's effects on cognition, behavior, and quality of life in vascular dementia patients.
- No data were found regarding the risks of aspirin, such as hemorrhage, in this patient population.