A new study reveals that anemia in later life is strongly associated with biological markers of Alzheimer's disease and a significantly increased risk of developing dementia. Anaemia, characterized by low haemoglobin levels, has long been linked to poorer cognitive outcomes.
In a study of over 2,000 adults aged 60 and older, researchers found that individuals with anemia showed significantly higher levels of key Alzheimer's-related blood biomarkers, including phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).
Crucially, anemia was associated with a 66% higher risk of developing dementia. This risk more than tripled when anemia coexisted with elevated biomarkers. These findings suggest a potential biological pathway linking reduced oxygen-carrying capacity to neurodegeneration, potentially through cerebral hypoxia.
The results highlight anemia as a potentially modifiable risk factor in dementia prevention strategies. Routine screening and management of low haemoglobin in older adults could offer a simple avenue to reduce long-term cognitive decline.