Anemia – a disorder categorized by a deficiency of red blood cells – has been found to be linked to cognitive impairment according to new findings. The study revealed that female participants with anemia performed lower in verbal memory and executive functions. Additionally, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was doubled in those diagnosed with anemia.
Dementia is the end result of mild cognitive impairment, so researchers focus on this stage of cognitive decline as a modifiable stage in order to delay or prevent the onset of dementia. Those with MCI are at a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but MCI can remain stable for years, thus delaying the onset of both cognitive illnesses. The more we understand about MCI, the more we can work to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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MCI was diagnosed by the following four criteria: participants reported a decline in cognitive function over the last two years, participants showed cognitive impairment in objective cognitive tasks, the person can still perform daily tasks so MCI is not considered demented, and cognitive impairment is insufficient to fulfill criteria for dementia.
Of 4,814 participants, 163 had anemia and 3,870 did not, which were compared on the basis of cognitive function. Anemic patients, aside from showing poorer cognitive function, also had greater cardiovascular risk profiles.
A series of second tests were performed on 579 patients with MCI and 1,438 cognitively normal patients and then compared for MCI frequency and the diagnosis of anemia. MCI was diagnosed nearly twice as much in those who were anemic, making the researchers believe that low hemoglobin may contribute to cognitive impairment.
Anemia can be easily treated, which may help improve cognitive ability. Further research is required to determine if preventing and reversing anemia could delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
