Could drinking Guinness and eating spinach reduce the risk of dementia?

Eating foods with high levels of iron – or drinking the odd pint of Guinness - could reduce the risk of developing dementia.

A study carried out by academics at the University of California San Francisco has found that people with anaemia – a condition caused by a deficiency of iron in the blood – may be at an increased risk of developing the condition. The research, which was published yesterday, revealed a link between the two conditions.

More than 2,500 adults between the ages of 70 and 79, who did not have dementia, participated in the study and were tested for iron deficiency, with 15 per cent of volunteers found to be anaemic. The group was monitored over a period of 11 years and at the end of the study, researchers found that 23 per cent of people with anaemia developed dementia compared to 17 per cent of those without it.

Academics at the university have suggested several explanations for the findings, including the possibility that less oxygen reaches the brain as a result of lower blood oxygen levels caused by anaemia, and that this could cause nerve cells to deteriorate.

Commenting on the research, Dr Eric Karran, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This large study adds to previous observations of a link between anaemia and a higher dementia risk, but it is hard to say with any certainty that anaemia is a casual factor in the condition. There could be other reasons for this observation, and it will be important to investigate the possible reasons for this link in more detail.

“Anaemia can be common, particularly in the elderly, and so it is important to think carefully about maintaining a diet rich in vitamins and iron. Anyone who is concerned that they may be anaemic should talk to their GP.”

Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer’s Society, has also encouraged people to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of developing dementia. He said: “Maybe our parents were right to tell us that we should eat more spinach. This interesting research suggests that lower iron levels may have a link with cognitive health later on in life. However, more research is needed and we shouldn’t make the jump to claim that anaemia causes dementia. The changes may be linked to disrupted oxygen flow to the brain or indeed, poor health overall.

“The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy a balanced Mediterranean diet rich in fruit and vegetables, oily fish and even the occasional glass of red wine, take regular exercise and don’t smoke.”