You know low hemoglobin levels can be caused by a number of problems that range from poor nutrition to bleeding disorders. But the results of a new study suggest a diagnosis of anemia in patients 70 or older should cue you to check for dementia.
 
According to Reuter’s Health, “Researchers following more than 2,500 U.S. adults in their 70s for over a decade found that those who started out with anemia were 65% more likely to develop dementia by the end of the study period.”
 
It would be nice if this study proved we could prevent or even cure dementia by managing the patient’s anemia, but this study only finds a correlation between the conditions. However, "I think doctors should be aware of this important connection especially as both anemia and dementia are common with aging," stated senior author Kristina Yaffe, M.D., of University of California San Francisco.
 
But being aware of the correlation can be the trigger for additional testing and monitoring. And if your older patients are reluctant to eat their spinach – or otherwise follow their anemia treatment regimen – the results of this study might serve as a warning that the anemia carries some long-term risks.
 
Need help finding the ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes for the conditions in this article? Check one of our Coder’s Pink Sheet Decisions sites. For example, Medical Practice Coding Pro’s companion website for multi-specialty coders. Now with ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis code sets and instant crosswalks with your search results.