Study Shows Older Patients More Vulnerable Due to Lack of Anemia Screening
The study highlights a gap in health screening, where treatable causes of anemia such as low B12, folate, and iron are often overlooked.
Anemia is a common yet insidious condition with symptoms that are often missed or disregarded. The impact of this condition on one’s health and well-being underscores the importance of early detection through regular screening for effective management and treatment.
The study indicated that the prevalence of anemia was considerably higher in women than men until ages 55 to 59, after which it became more prevalent in men. Anemia diagnoses increased significantly with age, reaching 33.4 percent for participants over 75 years old, with the study noting that “Prevalence increased more rapidly with age in men than in women.”
The study exposed a crucial gap in health care screening: treatable causes of anemia, like low vitamin B12, folate, and iron, were often neglected and left unexamined. Less than 20 percent of anemic patients were tested for B12 and folic acid deficiencies, and only one-third of them were screened for iron deficiency at their three-month follow-up appointment.
What Is Anemia?
The Mayo Clinic defines anemia as a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, resulting in inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues, relies on sufficient iron for production.
Various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, digestive disorders, or genetics, can lead to anemia. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, supplements, and medical interventions for more severe cases.
Types and Causes of Anemia
There are several types and causes of anemia, including:
Iron-Deficiency
The most common type, resulting from insufficient iron for hemoglobin production, often due to blood loss or inadequate dietary intake.
Vitamin Deficiency
Caused by deficiencies in essential vitamins like B12, folate, and B6, crucial for red blood cell production.
Hemolytic Anemias
Occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than produced, leading to a shortage of red blood cells.
Aplastic Anemia
Rare but serious, resulting from insufficient red blood cell production due to bone marrow damage.
Sickle Cell Anemia
A genetic form where red blood cells become rigid and sticky, causing vessel blockages and decreased oxygen delivery.
Chronic Diseases
Conditions like kidney disease or cancer can lead to anemia due to decreased production or increased destruction of red blood cells.
Pregnancy
Increased blood demand during pregnancy can cause anemia due to additional iron needs for fetal growth.
Bone Marrow Disorders
Disorders like leukemia affecting bone marrow can interfere with red blood cell production, leading to anemia.
Pale or yellowish skin, cold extremities, headaches, and cognitive issues can signal anemia. Screening for nutritional deficiencies like B12 and folate is essential in identifying potential causes of anemia.
