The effect of iron and iron parameters on cognitive functions in the elderly

Anemia is a common condition in the elderly, and its prevalence increases with age. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between iron and iron parameters and cognitive functions in the elderly using computer-based tests (PVT, B-GRZ, K-GRZ, BT-GRZ, KT-GRZ). In our study, computer-based PVT and GRZ tests were administered to 139 individuals who applied to the Geriatrics Clinic of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in 2023 and met the inclusion criteria. Blood test results and test results such as MNA-SF and MMSE were obtained from patient files, and the correlation between serum Fe levels and MNA-SF, MMSE, and computer-based test results was examined. Then, the MNA-SF, MMSE, and computer-based test results of three groups formed according to iron parameters were compared. There were weak to moderate negative correlations between MMSE scores and PVT, B-GRZ, K-GRZ, BT-GRZ, KT-GRZ test results, and weak positive correlations between the number of correct answers in the BT-GRZ and KT-GRZ tests (p<0,05). There were weak positive correlations between serum Fe level and MMSE, weak to moderate negative correlations between PVT, B-GRZ, K-GRZ, BT-GRZ and KT-GRZ test results, and moderate positive correlations between the number of correct answers in the BT-GRZ and KT-GRZ tests (p<0,05). When comparing the groups; PVT time was significantly lower in the normal group compared to the other groups, the times of B-GRZ, K-GRZ and KT-GRZ tests were significantly higher in the IDA group compared to the normal group, and the number of correct answers in the KT-GRZ test was significantly lower in the IDA group compared to the other groups (p<0,05). The results of this study indicate that iron deficiency and anemia can negatively impact cognitive function in older individuals. These effects were demonstrated more objectively and with relatively higher sensitivity using computer-based tests, particularly by accurately measuring cognitive functions such as reaction time, alertness, and sustained attention. In this respect, the method's potential to provide faster and more reliable results is believed to contribute to early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment processes in clinical practice.