Anemia is often seen as a simple health problem that causes tiredness and low energy. It happens when the body does not have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen in the blood. This means that important organs, including the brain, may not get the oxygen they need.
A new long-term study suggests that anemia may have a deeper impact on health than previously thought. Researchers from Sweden and Italy found that older adults with anemia may face a higher risk of developing dementia.
The study followed 2,282 adults aged 60 and above in Stockholm, Sweden. At the beginning, none of the participants had dementia. The researchers measured their hemoglobin levels and also looked at certain blood markers linked to brain health.
Over a period of more than ten years, the researchers checked on the participants regularly. By the end of the study, 362 people had developed dementia. When the data was analyzed, a clear link appeared. People with anemia at the start were 66 percent more likely to develop dementia.
The study also found that anemia was linked to higher levels of proteins in the blood that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and brain damage. These include p-tau217, which is linked to changes in the brain, NfL, which signals nerve damage, and GFAP, which shows inflammation in brain cells.
People who had both anemia and high levels of these proteins had the highest risk. For example, those with anemia and high NfL levels were about three and a half times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without these risk factors.
Scientists believe that reduced oxygen supply to the brain may explain this link. When the brain does not get enough oxygen over time, it may lead to damage in brain cells and blood vessels. This damage can build up slowly and increase the risk of memory problems.
The study used data from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, which is designed to understand how aging affects health. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.
Looking at the study more closely, it provides strong evidence because it followed people for a long time and used detailed biological measurements. However, it cannot prove that anemia directly causes dementia. Other health conditions may also play a role.
Another point to consider is that the study focused mainly on older adults in one location. Future research should include different populations to confirm the results.
Despite these limitations, the findings are important. Anemia is common and often treatable. If it is confirmed as a risk factor for dementia, it could become an important target for prevention.
In summary, this research suggests that low hemoglobin levels may affect brain health over time. Checking for anemia and treating it early could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. More studies are needed, but this work highlights a possible new way to protect the brain as people age.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
Source: Swedish National Study on Aging and Care.
