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Anemia Tied to Higher Dementia Risk

Older adults with anemia showed elevated Alzheimer-related biomarkers and a higher hazard of dementia over follow-up

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • April 28, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    Anemia is linked to a 66% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults, as shown in a cohort study of 2,282 participants.

  • 2

    Higher levels of Alzheimer disease biomarkers, such as p-tau217 and neurofilament light chain, were associated with anemia.

  • 3

    The risk of dementia was significantly higher when anemia co-occurred with elevated biomarker levels, particularly neurofilament light chain.

  • 4

    Sex differences were noted, with stronger associations between anemia and dementia risk in men compared to women.

  • 5

    Limitations of the study include the observational design and the measurement of hemoglobin and biomarkers only at baseline.

Original Source(s)

Anemia Tied to Higher Dementia Risk

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • April 28, 2026

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