Khaberni - New findings show that a common health condition may increase the risk of dementia by more than half. However, the reassuring news is that this condition is treatable in most cases.
In a Swedish study, researchers examined the relationship between cognitive decline and anemia (a disease affecting red blood cells and hemoglobin). They found that participants with anemia were 66% more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hemoglobin levels.
Researchers also observed other warning signs: anemia was linked to key biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease, most notably the protein "phosphorylated tau at site 217," or "p-tau 217," suggesting a potential link between low hemoglobin and the building blocks that Alzheimer's uses to form in the brain.
The combination of the two factors was even more dangerous: individuals suffering from anemia and at the same time having high Alzheimer's markers were the most susceptible to dementia, supporting the hypothesis that there is a link between anemia and neuronal cell damage.
Why does anemia threaten the brain?
Dr. Leron Sinfani, Director of Research at the Northwell Institute for Healthy Ageing, explains that a diagnosis of anemia means that the person has a reduced number of red blood cells. She says, "This is important because red blood cells carry oxygen. The fewer there are, the less oxygen reaches the brain."
When the brain does not get enough oxygen, it enters a state of "oxidative stress," which leads to neuronal cell loss and increases the likelihood of inflammation and decreased ability to detoxify. All these factors may make a person more susceptible to cognitive decline.
Despite these worrying results, Dr. Sinfani sees a reason for optimism, saying, "Unlike some other dementia risk factors, anemia may be modifiable. And we can treat it."
Because anemia is a very common condition, doctors are equipped with well-known tools to manage it, such as dietary modifications, increased iron intake, and tests to detect ongoing blood loss.
Sinfani adds that a complete blood count is a simple routine test, and doctors usually do not intervene with anemia treatment unless the patient has severe symptoms or a significant decrease in levels.
Despite these findings, more research is needed to confirm the direct relationship between anemia and dementia. Scientists have not yet proven that treating anemia, for example with iron supplements, necessarily reduces the risk of dementia.
Dr. Sinfani warns against taking iron supplements without consulting a doctor but calls for greater attention to anemia, especially in the elderly. She also suggests conducting similar studies on younger patients, saying, "If we can intervene early, perhaps anemia is more modifiable than we think."
