A study of over 30,000 people has revealed the link between a blood type and pre-dementia symptoms. According to him, people with AB blood type may be more likely to suffer from memory loss as they age.
The relatively uncommon blood type, found in about 4 percent of people, is now being linked to memory and thinking problems as we age. The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that people with AB blood types were 82 percent more likely to develop cognitive problems that can lead to dementia.
Dr. Mary Kushman, professor of hematology at the University of Vermont, USA, who led the study in question said: "Our study looked at blood groups and the risk of cognitive impairment."
But some studies have shown that factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. "Blood type is also associated with other vascular conditions such as stroke, so the findings of this study highlight the links between vascular problems and brain health."
The study followed the progress of over 30,000 people for about 3 and a half years. Of these people, 495 had problems with memory and thinking during the time of the study. They were compared with 587 people in whom no cognitive problems were observed. However, those with AB blood type should not worry unnecessarily.
Compared to lifestyle and environmental effects, the influence of blood type is relatively small. So regular physical exercise, eating well and avoiding smoking, are likely to have a much greater positive effect than the negative effect of blood type. Also, the researchers emphasized that this is a preliminary finding, and does not prove that there is a causal relationship.
