Association between anemia and cognitive dysfunction in the hypertensive older adults: a cross-sectional study

Using 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, the research aims to explore the association of anemia and cognitive dysfunction in older patients with hypertension.

The study included 2005 older participants aged ≥60 years. Cognitive performance was evaluated by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Word Learning subtest, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Multivariate logistic regression analysis and a weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve were employed to examine the potential association between hemoglobin levels and cognitive dysfunction.

Anemia was associated with higher odds of cognitive dysfunction in hypertensive older adults (OR = 1.663, 95% CI: 1.082-2.557, p = 0.022). Higher level of hemoglobin was associated with reduced odds of cognitive dysfunction (OR = 0.880, 95% CI: 0.782-0.991, p = 0.036). Hemoglobin levels below 13.67 g/dL were significantly associated with increased odds of cognitive impairment.

This study indicates the existence of an association between anemia and cognitive dysfunction among hypertensive older adults. Hemoglobin levels may serve as a predictor of cognitive decline, with 13.67g/dL as a potential threshold for intensive cognitive monitoring in high-risk older populations with hypertension.