Brits with low iron levels could be at higher risk of dementia

Brits with low iron levels could be at higher risk of dementiaIron deficiency anaemia has previously been linked with a string of serious health issues like heart disease and kidney failureCommentsNewsSaskia Rowlands News Reporter12:08, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesLow iron has been linked to dementia(Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)Being low in iron could increase your risk of dementia and accelerate symptoms, research suggests.‌Anaemia has previously been linked to serious health problems including heart disease and kidney failure. But now researchers have discovered a link between the two conditions. They found low iron reserves may not only increase the risk of getting the disease but also reduce the brain's resilience to it. It is particularly pronounced in men, according to the findings.‌Some eight per cent of women and three per cent of men in the UK have anaemia, which is caused by a lack of resources in the blood used to carry enough oxygen around the body. Symptoms typically include tiredness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Iron deficiency anaemia can be the result of a lack of iron in the diet, but heavy periods and pregnancy are also common factors.‌READ MORE: Wes Streeting is 'betraying' patients suffering painful fractures, campaigners sayOPINIONMartin Bagot'Covid-19 Inquiry: UK scientists saved us after politicians failed us'Covid Inquiry