Aspirin vascular dementia

Unlike carbamazepine, valproic acid has few drug interactions, an added benefit for elderly patients. One interaction worthy of mention, however, is that aspirin can increase levels of valproic acid. For this reason, vascular dementia patients taking an aspirin a day may need a lower dose of valproic acid or at least more careful monitoring of blood levels when starting valproic acid. 

During the early-to-moderate stages of vascular dementia, an aspirin a day can provide some protection from additional infarcts. However, daily aspirin does carry risks of bleeding and stomach irritation and should only be used under the supervision of a physician. 

Rands G, Orrel M, Spector A. Aspirin for vascular dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000. 

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