 |
|
Anemia affects body ... and maybe the mind
September 14, 2006Study among elderly women shows seniors especially may be at risk
For older adults, anemia's trademark loss of oxygen-toting red blood cells has long been linked to fatigue, muscle weakness and other physical ailments. Now researchers at Johns Hopkins have found a relationship between anemia and impaired thinking, too.
"Our work supports the notion that mild anemia may be an independent risk factor for so-called executive-function impairment in older adults," says Paulo Chaves, M.D., P.h.D., an assistant professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the lead author of the study. "If further studies confirm that's true, this could mean that correction of anemia in these patients might offer a chance to prevent such a cognitive decline."
Reporting on the research in the September issue of The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the Hopkins investigators went looking for such an effect because previous studies showed that age-related declines in the brain's so-called executive function-problem solving, planning, assessing dangers, following up on important activities-lead to declines in self-sufficiency.
"Executive function impairment, which happens often before memory loss occurs, may happen early on in the process of becoming unable to carry on with instrumental day-to-day living activities, such as shopping, cooking, taking medications, paying bills, walking, etc.," says Chaves.
Chaves and his team gave three psychological tests commonly used to evaluate executive function to 364 women, all between 70 and 80 years old, who were living in Baltimore, Md. Approximately 10 percent had anemia, which was of mild intensity.
Some 15 percent of those with the worst results on all three of the tests were anemic, compared to only 3 percent who scored best. Those with anemia were four to five times more likely to perform worst on the executive function tests, compared to those with normal blood hemoglobin, after taking into account the effect of other factors that affect cognition, such as age, education and existing diseases.
"These preliminary results don't prove that anemia causes impaired executive function, nor indicate that treatment of anemia would necessarily lead to better executive function," says Chaves. "However, they are compelling enough to serve as a roadmap for continued research."
How anemia could affect thinking remains to be determined. It could be because it chronically diminishes the supply of oxygen to the brain. Another view proposes that the fatigue accompanying anemia leads to inactivity and the loss of aerobic-fitness benefits to the prefrontal cortex.
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Reporting on the research in the September issue of The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the Hopkins investigators went looking for such an effect because previous studies showed that age-related declines in the brain's so-called executive function-problem solving, planning, assessing dangers, following up on important activities-lead to declines in self-sufficiency.
"Executive function impairment, which happens often before memory loss occurs, may happen early on in the process of becoming unable to carry on with instrumental day-to-day living activities, such as shopping, cooking, taking medications, paying bills, walking, etc.," says Chaves.
Chaves and his team gave three psychological tests commonly used to evaluate executive function to 364 women, all between 70 and 80 years old, who were living in Baltimore, Md. Approximately 10 percent had anemia, which was of mild intensity.
Some 15 percent of those with the worst results on all three of the tests were anemic, compared to only 3 percent who scored best. Those with anemia were four to five times more likely to perform worst on the executive function tests, compared to those with normal blood hemoglobin, after taking into account the effect of other factors that affect cognition, such as age, education and existing diseases.
"These preliminary results don't prove that anemia causes impaired executive function, nor indicate that treatment of anemia would necessarily lead to better executive function," says Chaves. "However, they are compelling enough to serve as a roadmap for continued research."
How anemia could affect thinking remains to be determined. It could be because it chronically diminishes the supply of oxygen to the brain. Another view proposes that the fatigue accompanying anemia leads to inactivity and the loss of aerobic-fitness benefits to the prefrontal cortex.
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Anemia Current Events and Anemia News RSSMeasuring and modeling blood flow in malaria
When people have malaria, they are infected with Plasmodium parasites, which enter the body from the saliva of a mosquito, infect cells in the liver, and then spread to red blood cells.
Let them eat snail
A nutritionist in Nigeria says that malnutrition and iron deficiency in schoolchildren could be reduced in her country by baking up snail pie.
Drugs to treat anemia in cancer patients linked to thromboembolism
Medications frequently given to cancer patients to reduce their risk of anemia are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, according to new research led by Dawn Hershman, M.D, M.S., co-director of the breast cancer program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.
Mortality Rates Reduced among Children Whose Mothers Received Iron-folic Acid Supplements
Offspring whose mothers had been supplemented with iron-folic acid during pregnancy had dramatically reduced mortality through age 7, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Experts unveil new CVD guidelines and position papers
Several new guidelines and position papers offering the most up to date information to ensure that clinicians practice evidence-based medicine were released at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009 this week.
Mayo Clinic study shows people with heart devices can 'digest' advanced diagnostic technology safely
A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that video capsule endoscopy (CE), a procedure that uses wireless technology in diagnosing intestinal disease, is safe for patients with heart devices.
Common weed could provide clues on aging and cancer
A common weed and human cancer cells could provide some very uncommon details about DNA structure and its relationship with telomeres and how they affect cellular aging and cancer, according to a team led by scientists from Texas A&M University and the University of Cincinnati (UC).
Designer molecule detects tiny amounts of cyanide, then glows
A small molecule designed to detect cyanide in water samples works quickly, is easy to use, and glows under ultraviolet or "black" light.
American Dietetic Association supports IOM recommendations on school meal programs
The American Dietetic Association welcomes a report issued Wednesday, October 21, by the Institute of Medicine encouraging federal school meal programs to adopt standards that increase the nutrition content and limit the calories in meals served to schoolchildren.
Better blood screening process needed to prevent babesiosis transmission
Babesiosis is a potentially dangerous parasitic disease transmitted by ticks and is common in the Northeast and the upper Midwest. Babesia lives inside of red blood cells, meaning it can also be transmitted through a blood transfusion from an infected but otherwise asymptomatic blood donor.
More Anemia Current Events and Anemia News Articles
 |
The Iron Disorders Institute Guide to Anemia by Cheryl Garrison (Author) More than 2 billion people worldwide have some form of anemia. Even so, the condition is greatly misunderstood and often improperly treated. The Iron Disorders Institute Guide to Anemia contains everything a patient needs to know about the different forms of anemia, symptoms, treatment, and diet. It provides patients and family members with everything they need to be proactive with their physicians, including information about what doctors must do to differentiate between different causes and how each cause is treated. |
 |
Anemia in Women: Self-Help and Treatment by M.D. Joan Gomez (Author) Many women are unaware that they have anemia. Its symptoms — fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, and poor concentration — are often attributed to stress rather than iron deficiency. Using case studies, Joan Gomez discusses the prevention and treatment of anemia during childhood, adolescence, and menopause. |
 |
Nature's Plus - Hema-Plex, 30 tablets by Nature's Plus |
 |
Understanding Anemia (Understanding Sickness & Health Series) by M.D., Ed Uthman (Author) Each year thousands are told they suffer from anemia, but most have only a vague understanding of the condition. In fact, "anemia" is a generic term that includes myriad specific diseases, each of which has its own story regarding cause, manifestations, and treatments. Understanding Anemia gently builds upon elementary knowledge of biology to provide the general reader with a fairly sophisticated understanding of the various causes of anemia, of the methods used to make diagnoses, and of the principles of treatment. The book begins with a definition of anemia and a brief history of the scientific study of blood. It explains how the doctor makes the diagnosis and details the main types of anemia. Since the different conditions result from the failure of... |
 |
Aenima by Tool No Description Available Track: 10: Die Eier Von Satan,Track: 11: Pushit,Track: 12: Cesaro Summability,Track: 13: Aenema,Track: 14: (-) Ions,Track: 15: Third Eye,Track: 1: Stinkfist,Track: 2: Eulogy,Track: 3: H.,Track: 4: Useful Idiot,Track: 5: Forty Six And 2,Track: 6: Message To Harry Manback,Track: 7: Hooker With A Penis,Track: 8: Intermission,Track: 9: Jimmy Media Type: CD Artist: TOOL Title: AENIMA Street Release Date: 10/01/1996 |
 |
Anemias and Other Red Cell Disorders by Kenneth Bridges (Author), Howard A. Pearson (Author) The first comprehensive, yet concise, clinical guide to the full spectrum of anemias Anemias and Other Red Cell Disorders is the first resource to provide a practical diagnostic/treatment framework for identifying and successfully managing acute, congenital, and chronic anemias, and other red blood cell disorders. With its broad scope, easy-to-navigate format, and ready-to-apply diagnostic and treatment strategies, this is the most accessible - and essential - guide to anemias and related diseases ever published. Features A complete top-to-bottom review of anemias, written with the non-specialist in mind Logical chapter organization based on the clinical features that prompt the initial encounter between doctor and patient Discussions... |
 |
Biosafe Anemia Meter, Red (1 test) by Biosafe The Anemia Meter is the world's first single use rapid response Anemia Device! The test provides you with an accurate, convenient, and inexpensive way to test for possible anemia in the comfort and safety of your home or office. Low hemoglobin levels are associated with extreme weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, depression, rapid heart beat, and/or pale skin. People over 65, those who have had recent surgery, and HIV/AIDS patients are at increased risk. Additionally, people who have kidney disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or heart disease should check their hemoglobin level regularly. The specimen collection process is quick, easy and virtually painless. Using the special lancet (included with the BIOSAFE Anemia Meter), one or more drops of blood are taken... |
 |
Heavy Menstrual Flow and Anemia: Self Help Book by Susan M. Lark (Author) Most women have experienced unusually heavy menstrual bleeding at one time or another in their lives. But for millions of American women, heavy menstrual flow and the debilitating effects of anemia are chronic problems. Because it isn't enough to treat only the symptoms, Dr. Lark examines the underlying causes associated with these conditions, analyzes the risk factors for different groups of women, and presents a comprehensive self-assessment program. She discusses the vital roles of diet and exercise in coping with heavy menstrual flow and anemia, as well as the most current medical treatment and drug therapies available. |
 |
Cancer Patients and Anemia (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Anemia (an abnormally low number of red blood cells) is a common condition in cancer patients that may occur either as a direct result of the cancer or as a side effect of the cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and blood loss during surgery are all common causes of anemia in cancer patients. But, as you'll see in this program, anemia can be successfully treated, and patients can go on to beat their cancers and live healthy lives. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Aplastic Anemia Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Aplastic Anemia Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Aplastic Anemia Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Aplastic Anemia Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |