New Study Suggests Low Iron Levels Linked to Increased Dementia Risk
Researchers have found a potential connection between low iron levels and a higher risk of developing dementia, with men being particularly affected, a new study reveals. Anaemia, a condition resulting from insufficient iron reserves in the blood, has previously been associated with various serious health issues such as heart disease and kidney failure. However, the latest findings suggest a direct link between low iron levels and an increased vulnerability to dementia.
In the UK, around eight percent of women and three percent of men suffer from anaemia, characterized by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency anaemia can stem from inadequate dietary iron intake, as well as factors like heavy menstrual periods and pregnancy.
The study, led by researchers from Stockholm University and published in JAMA Neurology, monitored 2,300 individuals over the age of 60 without dementia for nine years. They examined how fluctuations in iron levels impacted the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Blood samples taken at the beginning of the research were tested for tau protein levels, a substance linked to Alzheimer’s symptoms, and haemoglobin levels, a protein crucial for oxygen transport in the body.
Participants diagnosed with anaemia were found to have a 66 percent higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those with normal haemoglobin levels. Additionally, low haemoglobin levels were associated with elevated levels of p-tau217, a specific blood marker for Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, despite a higher prevalence of anaemia in women, the study revealed that men faced a greater dementia risk associated with the condition. The researchers suggested that females might have a natural resilience to anaemia due to their lower baseline haemoglobin levels, thus potentially reducing its impact on brain health. This new insight highlights anaemia as a potential modifiable risk factor in dementia prevention strategies.
