Losing your memory as you get older may seem like a sad inevitability, but dementia doesn’t affect everyone. In fact, many people survive old age without ever experiencing loss of memory and other cognitive functions. So, what causes dementia? Because there are so many different variations of the condition and potential risk factors, it is difficult to identify a source. However, it was found that one of its innate characteristics may play a role: one study found that your blood type may increase your risk of developing dementia. Read on to find out which blood type is associated with a higher risk and to learn more that your blood type can tell you: If you have this blood type, your risk of heart attack is higher, the study says.
If you have type AB blood, you are more likely to develop dementia.
A 2014 study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found a connection between blood type and dementia. Researchers in the study – which was part of a larger study of more than 30,000 people observed for more than three years – identified 495 participants who developed thinking and memory problems during the study and compared them to 587 people who did not experience any cognitive impairment. They found that people with blood type AB were 82 percent more likely to develop thinking and memory problems that can lead to dementia than those with other blood types. And for more risk factors to be aware of, sleeping less than that many hours a night doubles the risk of dementia.
This may be the result of a protein that people with AB blood are more likely to have.
The study’s researchers also looked at blood levels of factor VIII, which is a protein that helps clot the blood. According to the study, people who had high levels of factor VIII protein were also at an increased risk of dementia, as they were 24% more likely to develop thinking and memory problems than people with lower levels of that protein. In an article for The Conversation, co-author of the study Kristine Alexander, PhD, a medical policy research analyst at Cambia Health Solutions, wrote that people with type AB blood have the highest levels of factor VIII – almost 40% higher than those with blood type O. And for health content most useful delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
People with AB blood are also at increased risk of stroke, which can lead to dementia.
A different 2014 study by the same group of researchers – and part of the same larger study – found that when compared to blood type O, blood type AB was associated with an increased risk of stroke, whereas blood types A and B does not. According to WebMD, people who have had a stroke are much more likely to develop dementia than people who have not. In fact, about one in four people who have had a stroke will develop signs of dementia.
“The blood type is also related to other vascular conditions, such as stroke, so the findings highlight the connections between vascular problems and brain health.” Mary Cushman, MD, author of both studies and a hematologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center, said in a statement. And to learn more about stroke risks, check out these 17 surprising habits that increase your stroke risk.
However, blood type AB is the least common.
Fortunately, if you don’t know your blood type, there’s a good chance you won’t have type AB. According to the American Red Cross, blood type AB is the least common in the United States. Less than 1% of Americans have AB negative blood, while less than 4% have AB positive blood. In comparison, about 43% of Americans have type O blood.
“With that in mind, there is no reason to panic if you have type AB blood. There are a number of lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of cognitive problems and dementia, and many of them have more impact than your type. blood, “Alexander wrote for The Conversation. She cited eating well and exercising as two healthy lifestyle options that “are important for cardiovascular and brain health”. In addition, Alexander added that “keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in check will also lower your risk of having these problems.” And for more risks associated with blood types, if you have type A blood, you have a higher risk of having this type of cancer.