Cognitive Performance in Relation to Systemic and Brain Iron at Perimenopause

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Iron Metabolism
• Cognitive Function

Background:

• The link between blood iron, brain iron, and cognition during menopause is unclear.
• Iron accumulation in the brain over time may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial as women cease monthly blood loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between iron status, cognitive performance, and brain iron levels in women transitioning through menopause.
• To explore the potential impact of iron status on cognitive function and brain dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Recruited non-anemic women with low or normal iron levels.
• Collected blood samples to assess iron status.
• Utilized MRI scans to estimate brain iron levels.
• Administered cognitive tasks with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG).

Main Results:

• Cognitive performance and brain dynamics showed a positive association with iron levels.
• Measures related to oxygen transport were positively linked to iron status.
• No correlation was found between blood iron measures and brain iron levels.

Conclusions:

• Elevated iron status was linked to better cognitive performance in women who were not iron deficient or anemic.
• Higher systemic iron levels did not correlate with increased brain iron.
• Optimizing iron status during menopause may alleviate "brain fog."