Recent research from the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam has revealed a significant connection between blood health and dementia risk.

The comprehensive study, which followed 12,305 participants for an average of 12 years, found that people with anaemia were 41% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, with a 34% increased risk for all types of dementia.

Lead author Professor Mohammad Arfan Ikram emphasised the global implications: "With around 10 per cent of people over age 65 having anaemia in the Americas and Europe and up to 45 per cent in African and southeast Asian countries, these results could have important implications for the burden of dementia, especially as the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase threefold over the next decades, with the largest increases predicted in the countries where the anaemia rate is the highest."

Detailed Study Findings

Of the 12,305 participants (average age 65) who were dementia-free at the start:

• 745 participants (6%) had anaemia

• During the 12-year follow-up, 1,520 participants developed dementia

• Of these, 1,194 were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease

• Among those with anaemia, 128 developed dementia, compared to 1,392 of the 11,560 who did not have anaemia

Importantly, the study revealed that both low and high haemoglobin levels were associated with increased dementia risk. Participants were divided into five groups based on their haemoglobin levels. Compared to the middle group:

• Those with the highest levels were 20% more likely to develop dementia

• Those with the lowest levels were 29% more vulnerable

  
  

These associations remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and alcohol use.

Understanding the Research

Of the 745 participants with anaemia (average age of 65), 128 developed dementia during the study period. Interestingly, both low and high haemoglobin levels were associated with increased dementia risk.

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when there are low levels of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to the brain and other organs.

In the UK, it is estimated that 3% of men and 8% of women have iron deficiency anaemia. Women are particularly vulnerable to anaemia, with pre-menopausal women being at especially high risk due to blood loss during menstruation.  Post-menopausal women also remain at higher risk than men, though their risk decreases compared to their pre-menopausal years.

Dietary Solutions: The Power of Iron-Rich Foods

Research suggests that certain foods are particularly effective at maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels, with some sources being more beneficial than others.

Red Meat and Organ Meats: Beef and liver stand out as exceptional sources of heme iron, which is crucial for preventing anaemia:

• Beef liver is nature's most concentrated source of iron, providing 7.5 mg per 100g serving

• Regular beef contains 2.7 mg of iron per 100g

• The heme iron found in these meats is absorbed 2-3 times more efficiently than plant-based iron

• These foods also provide vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell formation

• The combination of high iron content and superior absorption makes these particularly valuable for maintaining healthy blood levels

Leafy Greens: Dark, leafy vegetables provide essential iron and other nutrients that support blood health. The NHS recommends regular consumption of:

• Spinach

• Kale

• Swiss chard

• Brussels sprouts

Seafood: Various types of seafood offer high-quality sources of iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular consumption of fish, particularly oily fish, is recommended by the NHS, with a least two portions a week.

Nuts and Seeds:These provide plant-based iron sources and healthy fats. They're particularly important for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Additional Iron-Rich Foods:The research highlights other beneficial foods:

• Soy products and tofu

• Dried fruits, particularly dates

• Eggs

Future Implications

Professor Ikram notes that while the findings are significant, more research is needed:

"More research is needed to determine whether haemoglobin levels play a direct role in this increased risk or whether these associations can be explained by underlying issues or other vascular or metabolic changes."

He emphasised that as an observational study, it does not prove that low or high haemoglobin levels cause dementia - it only shows a link.