Anemia and Mental Impairment

Most of us never worry about developing anemia in these days of bountiful nutrition, but it’s common in many parts of the world. Fortification of flour with iron, as done in the USA and most Western countries, is a cheap and effective way of preventing the occurrence of most cases of iron-deficiency anemia. However, that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t be on the watch for anemia, especially as one gets older, as it occurs more frequently with age.

A new study has shown that mild anemia may be a risk factor for loss of ‘executive function’ – the ability to solve problems, plan, assess risk, or track activities – that may interfere with everyday activities. Johns Hopkins scientists examined over 350 women with an average age of 74, and found that 9% of them had anemia (a hemoglobin level of less than 12 g/dL). Those with anemia were 4 to 5 times as likely to perform worse on tests of executive function, such as the Trail Making Test.

The researchers believe this finding might be related to chronic reduction of brain oxygenation because of reduced oxygen-carrying power of the blood. The finding makes it important to ensure that older people have a hemoglobin level done before they are assumed to be in early stages of impaired cognition and proceeding towards dementia. If anemia is present, the cause should be determined and treated; in all probability, the executive functions will return.