Anemia and Blood Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease in Dementia Development
By
Martina Valletta
Davide Liborio Vetrano
Chengxuan Qiu
Marco Canevelli
Edoardo Miccoli
Sarah Andersson
Claudia Fredolini
Giuseppe Bruno
Bengt Winblad
Laura Fratiglioni
Giulia Grande
April 17, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: The Relationship Between Anemia and Blood Biomarkers in the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in Dementia
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Anemia and its association with dementia and Alzheimer's disease Key Mechanisms Chronic cerebral hypoxia and oxidative stress leading to neuronal loss and vascular dysfunction Target Population Individuals aged 60 years and older Care Setting Population-based study in a community setting
Key Highlights
Anemia affects approximately 10% of individuals aged 65 and older in the US. Anemia is associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive deterioration. Blood biomarkers like p-tau217, NfL, and GFAP correlate with Alzheimer's pathology. Neuroimaging studies show brain atrophy in individuals with anemia. The interplay between hemoglobin levels and AD biomarkers may enhance understanding of dementia development. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Anemia defined by hemoglobin levels: ≤12 g/dL for females and ≤13 g/dL for males. Dementia diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. Management
Monitor hemoglobin levels and assess for cognitive decline in older adults. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular follow-up assessments for cognitive function and hemoglobin levels. Risks
Increased dementia risk associated with anemia. Patient & Prescribing Data
Older adults, particularly those aged 60 years and above.
Consideration of iron and vitamin supplementation in managing anemia.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize blood biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's pathology. Conduct comprehensive assessments including cognitive evaluations and medical history. Related Resources & Content
