Geriatrician warned of cognitive impairment in elderly with anemia

Natalya Khovasova, a geriatrician, therapist, and candidate of medical sciences, warned elderly Russians about the high risk of anemia and related cognitive disorders. According to the doctor, among people over 60 years old, anemia is detected in 24 percent of cases.

"And the brain is most sensitive to developing hypoxia. Very often falls and fractures are the result of reduced hemoglobin," Hovasova explained.

The geriatrician noted that a person fell, damaged bones, and surgery in old age is contraindicated, as the risk of complications is high.

The most common in elderly patients is iron deficiency anemia.

The doctor advises to take regular tests in order to start treatment in time.

Hovasova reminded that only a specialist will be able to determine what condition a person is in and what medications he or she needs to take.

The main symptoms of anemia are weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations. People in old age often think that they have, for example, heart failure.