A recent study suggests that having low iron levels may heighten the risk of developing dementia and hasten its symptoms. Previous research has linked anemia to serious health issues like heart disease and kidney failure. Researchers have now established a connection between low iron reserves and an increased susceptibility to dementia, with men being particularly affected.
In the UK, about eight percent of women and three percent of men suffer from anemia, which results from insufficient resources in the blood required for oxygen transportation. Common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency anemia can stem from a lack of iron in the diet, as well as factors like heavy menstrual periods and pregnancy.
A study conducted by researchers at Stockholm University and published in the journal JAMA Neurology tracked 2,300 individuals over the age of 60 without dementia for nine years. The study analyzed how fluctuations in iron levels influenced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood samples collected at the beginning of the study were examined for tau protein levels, known for accumulating and tangling in the brain, potentially contributing to Alzheimer’s symptoms.
The study also measured levels of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells crucial for oxygen transport and dependent on iron. Anemia was identified by hemoglobin levels below 120g per liter for women and 130g per liter for men.
Individuals with anemia were found to have a 66% higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those with normal hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin levels were also linked to elevated levels of the tau protein p-tau217, considered a specific blood marker for Alzheimer’s disease.
Although more women are affected by anemia, men showed a higher dementia risk associated with the condition. Researchers explained that women’s lower hemoglobin levels early in life due to reproductive factors might offer greater resilience to anemia, potentially mitigating its impact on brain health. The findings suggest that anemia plays a role in dementia risk and could be a target for dementia prevention strategies.