Singapore: Australian researchers are investigating the powers of aspirin to fight the neurodegenerative disorder- dementia. The University Of Australia has been commissioned by the National Institute of Health, US, to determine aspirin's anti-dementia powers.

Monash University in Melbourne has begun a $50 mn trial- ASPREE, where participants from the US and Australia will be given a daily dose of Aspirin. The health of the participants will be regularly monitored. The trial hopes to determine whether the drug could delay the onset of dementia.

"If we can delay the onset of dementia by just 5 years, we will halve the number of people in Australia with dementia," said, the study's chief investigator Professor John McNeil.Participants will make annual GP visits as part of the trial, with results expected in 3 years' time.