PREVIEW-Defensive pharma promises solid Q1 results

* First Q1 results from J&J, Abbott, Roche this week

* Solid performance expected but long term problems loom

* Focus on prescribing trends during downturn

* U.S. drugmakers face currency headwind

By Ben Hirschler and Lewis Krauskopf

LONDON/NEW YORK, April 12 (Reuters) - Drugmakers should deliver a solid set of quarterly results but investors will be watching for any signs of recession choking demand for more expensive treatments.

Healthcare is traditionally one of the last areas where consumers cut spending and the sector is faring far better than many downturn-hit industries, despite the long-term problems of multiple patent expiries and excess capacity.

"We're going to see some pretty good results that will reaffirm the defensive nature of this industry," said Morningstar analyst Damien Conover.

Currencies, however, will muddy the waters, with a stronger dollar hurting U.S. companies while simultaneously boosting some European rivals.