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Published on: February 14, 2014
Relationship between anaemia and cognitive functions in elderly people
Hakan M Terekeci1, Yasar Kucukardali, Yalcin Onem
1Division of Internal Medicine, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Tibbiye Caddesi TR-34668 Kadikoy-Istanbul, Turkey. mhterekeci@yahoo.com.tr
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|March 9, 2010
Summary
Anaemia in the elderly is linked to poorer cognitive function and increased difficulty with daily activities. This study highlights the impact of low haemoglobin on independence and mental sharpness in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hematology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Anaemia is a common condition in the elderly population.
- The impact of anaemia on cognitive function and daily living activities in this demographic requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of anaemia on cognitive functions in elderly individuals.
- To assess the impact of anaemia on the daily living activities of the elderly.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 180 elderly participants.
- Data collection through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires for daily activities.
- Cognitive function assessed using the Folstein's Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Main Results:
- Anaemic elderly individuals showed significantly lower haemoglobin levels (10.4 g/dL) compared to non-anaemic individuals (13.6 g/dL).
- Impairment in functional status (Katz ADL) and cognitive function (MMSE) was greater in the anaemic group.
- Anaemic participants exhibited higher dependency in daily activities like bathing and dressing, along with lower albumin and BMI.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals with anaemia demonstrated increased dependency in physically demanding daily activities.
- Lower MMSE scores were observed in the anaemic elderly group, indicating impaired cognitive function.
- The study concludes that anaemia can negatively affect cognitive abilities and daily living activities in the elderly.
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