A recent study suggests that having low iron levels may heighten the risk of dementia and hasten its symptoms. Previous research has linked anemia to severe health conditions such as heart disease and kidney failure. However, a new discovery shows a connection between low iron reserves and an increased vulnerability to dementia, particularly in men.
In the UK, about 8% of women and 3% of men suffer from anemia, which stems from insufficient resources in the blood to transport adequate oxygen throughout the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency anemia can result from a lack of dietary iron, as well as factors like heavy menstrual periods and pregnancy.
A study by Stockholm University, published in JAMA Neurology, monitored 2,300 individuals over the age of 60 without dementia for nine years. The research examined how fluctuations in iron levels impacted the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood samples taken at the study’s onset were analyzed for levels of tau protein, known for its association with Alzheimer’s symptoms.
The study also recorded levels of hemoglobin, a protein essential for carrying oxygen in red blood cells that relies on iron for production. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels of 120g per liter or less for women and 130g per liter or less for men.
Individuals with anemia were found to be 66% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those with normal hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin levels were also linked to elevated levels of the tau protein p-tau217, recognized as a specific blood marker for Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, despite a higher prevalence of anemia in women, men showed a greater risk of dementia associated with the condition. The study’s authors suggested that while women typically have lower hemoglobin levels and higher anemia rates early in life due to reproductive reasons, males’ anemia is often caused by diseases, inflammation, or deficiencies. The findings propose that anemia could be a factor in dementia risk and a potential target for preventive strategies.