New Research Suggests Low Iron Levels Could Heighten Dementia Risk
Recent research indicates that having low iron levels may increase the risk of dementia and hasten its symptoms. While anaemia has previously been associated with serious health issues like heart disease and kidney failure, a new study has uncovered a connection between low iron reserves and dementia susceptibility. This link not only raises the likelihood of developing the disease but also diminishes the brain’s ability to resist it, with a more pronounced effect seen in men.
In the UK, approximately eight percent of women and three percent of men suffer from anaemia, a condition caused by insufficient resources in the blood needed to transport adequate oxygen throughout the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency anaemia can stem from a lack of iron in the diet, as well as factors like heavy menstrual periods and pregnancy.
The study, led by researchers from Stockholm University and published in the JAMA Neurology journal, monitored 2,300 individuals over the age of 60 without dementia for nine years. The researchers observed how fluctuations in iron levels impacted the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood samples collected at the beginning of the study were analyzed for tau levels, a brain protein associated with Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Additionally, levels of haemoglobin, a protein crucial for carrying oxygen in red blood cells that is dependent on iron, were measured. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin levels of 120g per litre or less for women and 130g per litre or less for men.
Individuals with anaemia were found to be 66 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those with normal haemoglobin levels. Low haemoglobin levels were also linked to higher levels of the tau protein p-tau217, considered a highly specific blood marker for Alzheimer’s.
Interestingly, men with anaemia demonstrated a higher dementia risk than women, despite a higher prevalence of anaemia among women. The researchers noted that while women typically have lower haemoglobin levels and a higher prevalence of anaemia in early life due to reproductive factors, anaemia in men is more often driven by diseases, inflammation, or deficiencies. The study suggests that women’s lower baseline haemoglobin levels may offer greater resilience to anaemia, potentially mitigating its impact on brain health. The findings propose that anaemia could play a role in dementia risk and may be a target for preventive strategies.