Evaluation of Cognitive Functions of Patients with Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common anemia type in the population. It causes many systemic clinical symptoms, including the effects on cognitive functions. Therefore, this study aimed to observe individuals' cognitive changes resulting from iron deficiency, a preventable cause. Method: Cognitive scores of 112 individuals (56 with iron deficiency anemia-test group and 56 healthy individuals-control group) from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were recorded. In addition, hemoglobin levels and recurrent anemia histories of individuals with iron deficiency anemia were also considered. Results: Cognitive functions were lower in the test group (individuals with iron deficiency anemia) compared to the control group. The mean MoCA score of the test and control groups were 19.80±3.46 and 22.98±3.59, respectively, and the difference was significant (p<0.05). In addition, a direct relationship (R=0.22) was found between the hemoglobin level and the MoCA score in individuals with anemia. Conclusion: Cognitive functions and B12 deficiency come to the fore in these patients whose cognitive functions are also affected by iron deficiency. Therefore, besides examining cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, these patients' neurological system should also be evaluated in terms of cognitive functions.