Low hemoglobin accelerates brain aging in older people

Anemia, characterized by insufficient levels of hemoglobin for adequate oxygen supply to the organs, has been officially recognized as a factor that increases the risk of developing dementia by 66%. This conclusion was reached by scientists during a nine-year study involving more than 2,200 participants aged 60 and above. The data analysis revealed that chronic oxygen deficiency has a direct destructive effect on brain tissue, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative changes long before the onset of pronounced clinical symptoms.

The biological mechanism of this connection is due to a decrease in the oxygenation of neurons, which leads to damage of blood vessels and gradual loss of nerve cells. Prolonged hypoxia provokes oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in the brain tissue. Neuroimaging data confirm that individuals with anemia are more likely to have a decrease in brain volume and signs of tissue damage, which makes the organ more vulnerable to pathological processes associated with aging.

Within the study, a clear correlation was established between a low level of hemoglobin and an increase in the blood content of three specific marker proteins. Phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau217) indicates the development of Alzheimer’s pathology, light neurofilament chains (NfL) indicate damage to the nerve cells themselves, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) serves as a signal of stress or inflammation in neuroglial cells. The combination of anemia with high levels of NfL increases the likelihood of developing dementia by 3.5 times, highlighting the synergistic effect of these pathological factors.

An interesting aspect of the study was the identification of gender differences: The statistical relationship between low hemoglobin levels and markers of brain damage was more pronounced in men than in women. This highlights the need for a differentiated approach to risk assessment during medical examinations. Anemia affects approximately one in ten individuals over the age of 65, making it one of the most significant and, importantly, treatable threats to cognitive health.

The clinical significance of these findings lies in the potential use of hemoglobin levels as an accessible tool for primary screening of at-risk populations. Since anemia is a modifiable condition, its timely treatment can be an effective strategy for preventing Alzheimer’s disease. In the future, scientists plan to conduct additional studies to confirm whether active anemia treatment can directly reduce the incidence of dementia and slow down the accumulation of neurodegenerative biomarkers in the population.