Lower cognitive function as a risk factor for anemia among older Japanese women from the longitudinal observation in the SONIC study

Abstract

Aim The aging‐related increase in the incidence of anemia potentially affects the mortality risk. Lower cognitive function is common among older adults, and anemia is one of the causes of cognitive decline. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated whether cognitive decline is a risk factor for anemia in older people. Therefore, in this study, we used a 3‐year longitudinal evaluation to examine the association of cognitive function with anemia in community‐dwelling older adults. Methods This longitudinal study enrolled participants without anemia (diagnosed based on the World Health Organization's criteria) at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between cognitive function at baseline and the presence of anemia 3 years later. Results Participants were in the 69–71 and 79–81 years age groups, and 974 older people (48.6% men) were enrolled, of whom 126 (12.9%) had anemia after 3 years. After adjusting, cognitive function at baseline was associated with anemia in women, but not in men. Conclusions Older Japanese women with lower cognitive function have an increased risk for anemia 3 years later. The adoption of a lifestyle that utilizes or improves cognitive function might be important to prevent anemia in older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 334–340.

Effects of lifestyle and its interaction with anemia on cognitive function in older adults: A longitudinal study

“…Lifestyle factors, including malnutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, and insufficient exercise, are considered important risk factors for anemia, which increases the risk of cognitive impairment (Paramastri et al, 2021 ). A recent study revealed that older Japanese women with lower scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment experienced a higher risk for anemia 3 years later, and researchers suggested that a healthy lifestyle might be important to prevent anemia (Noma et al, 2023 ). However, whether a healthy lifestyle in older adults can alleviate the adverse effects of anemia on cognitive function has not yet been investigated.…”