Anemia Linked with Higher Dementia Risk

Older adults with anemia may be more likely to develop dementia. That’s the finding of a new study. Researchers looked at blood samples for more than 2,500 men and women in their 70s. About 400 had anemia. This means they had lower than normal levels of red blood cells. The study lasted 11 years. In that time, about 23% of those with anemia developed dementia. So did 17% of those without anemia. Researchers also adjusted their numbers to account for differences in age, race, sex, education and other factors between the 2 groups. They found that people with anemia were 41% more likely to develop dementia than those without anemia. The study does not prove that anemia causes dementia. Some other condition or lifestyle factor could increase the risk of both. The journal Neurology published the study online. HealthDay News wrote about it July 31.