Iron Deficiency Anemia: People with anemia already had higher levels of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's in their blood. They were also found to have a higher risk of developing dementia during follow-up.
Does iron deficiency increase the risk of Alzheimer's?
Can Iron Deficiency Increase Alzheimer's Risk? People often associate iron deficiency only with weakness or fatigue. But now new research is changing this perception. Scientists say that low hemoglobin in the body can affect not only the energy but also the brain and this effect can gradually lead to a serious disease like dementia. A study published in JAMA Network Open on 17 April 2026 has strengthened this link further. In this, researchers from Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University conducted a long-term study on more than 2200 elderly people.
What did the research reveal?
This research found that people with anemia already had higher levels of Alzheimer 's-related biomarkers in their blood. Furthermore, they were also found to have a higher risk of developing dementia during follow-up. This suggests that iron deficiency may not be a simple problem but may also be a sign of brain disease. According to the study, those with both low hemoglobin and levels of Alzheimer 's-related proteins like p-tau217 had the highest risk of dementia. This suggests that anemia and brain changes may be linked.
What problems does iron deficiency cause?
Iron deficiency also affects the body's oxygen supply. When the brain lacks sufficient oxygen, its functioning gradually declines. This is why anemia is now being viewed not only as a physical but also as a neurological problem. Another interesting finding is that men with anemia are at higher risk of dementia than women, even though this condition is more common in women. Researchers believe that different biological responses in the body may be responsible for this.
How many people are affected by this?
According to statistics, around 1.2 billion people worldwide are affected by iron deficiency anaemia. In the UK alone, around 10 million people suffer from this problem, making it a major public health concern.
Is there any cure for this?
The good news is that iron deficiency is largely preventable. It can be managed by eating a balanced diet, including iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, grains, and red meat, and taking supplements if needed. Experts believe that early detection and treatment of anemia can reduce the risk of dementia. In approximately 45 percent of cases, this disease can be prevented or slowed by a healthy lifestyle and timely diagnosis.
