A nutritional deficiency affecting around one in five people in the UK could increase the risk of dementia and speed up the onset of symptoms, a new study suggests.
Iron deficiency anemia — a common condition in which the body doesn't produce enough red blood cells — has long been linked to fatigue, headaches, and memory problems. In severe cases, if left untreated, it can even lead to heart disease or kidney failure.
Now, researchers from Stockholm University have identified an additional worrying link: low iron levels may reduce the brain's resistance to neurodegenerative diseases, increasing the risk of dementia and accelerating the onset of symptoms – especially in men.
It is estimated that over 10 million Britons have some form of anaemia, which occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the body, causing paleness, difficulty breathing and a rapid heartbeat.
In women, anemia is often associated with heavy menstrual cycles or pregnancy, while a lack of iron in the diet is a common cause for both sexes.
The study, published in the scientific journal JAMA Neurology, followed 2,282 people over the age of 60 for about nine years, analyzing the link between iron levels and Alzheimer's risk.
Blood samples were analyzed for the protein tau, which accumulates in the brain and is linked to nerve cell damage. High levels of this protein form toxic deposits that are considered one of the main causes of Alzheimer's symptoms. Levels of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in the blood and is used to diagnose anemia, were also measured.
The results showed that people with anemia were 66% more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin was also associated with higher levels of an important biomarker for Alzheimer's, known as p-tau217.
An interesting finding was that the increased risk of dementia was more pronounced in men, even though iron deficiency anemia is more prevalent in women. The researchers suggest that this may be related to how women's bodies adapt better to lower hemoglobin levels throughout life.
According to them, anemia in men often appears later and is linked to chronic disease or inflammation, which may make it more harmful to brain health.
The authors conclude that anemia is an important and potentially modifiable factor in the prevention of dementia.
Globally, around two billion people suffer from iron deficiency, with 1.2 billion suffering from anaemia, mainly as a result of poor nutrition. In the UK, around 3% of men and 8% of women are affected by the condition.
However, experts emphasize that most cases are preventable. Iron supplements, a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and red meat can help improve iron levels.
Other factors such as smoking, poor cardiovascular health, and social isolation also affect the risk of dementia.
Alzheimer's remains the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 75% of cases. Initial symptoms include memory problems, thinking difficulties and communication difficulties, which worsen over time.
However, experts believe that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes and early diagnosis. /GazetaExpress/
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