Burlington, Vermont – A new study indicated that in later life, those with AB blood type could face higher risks of memory loss.
A new study conducted by the American Academy of Neurology showed evidence that people with AB blood type could face higher risks of memory loss in their later years than those other blood types. The findings were based on the evaluation of retrieved data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) which involved 30,000 individuals.
Primarily, the human blood is categorized in 4 types including A, B, AB, and O, whereby the AB is considered as the rarest of the blood types. About 4% of the United States population have AB blood type. Finding one’s blood group can be determined by going through a blood test procedure in urgent care clinics, emergency room, or any health care facility.
The new study involved participants who were followed for almost 3 and half years, whereby nearly 495 of them did not have any thinking or memory problems at the start and during the study. They were compared to another 587 individuals without cognitive problems. People with such issues would need urgent care and treatment so as to prevent further complications.
Throughout the study, the researchers were able to evaluate 82% of those with AB blood type were more likely to develop thinking problems, making them at higher risks of memory loss, which could also lead to dementia. Previous studies showed those with O blood type had lower risks of stroke and other heart diseases that might need an immediate visit to an urgent care clinic. Any heart disease and stroke are major factors that could increase the risks of dementia and memory loss.
The group was composed of 6% participants with AB blood type who developed cognitive impairment later on. Mary Cushman from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, and author of the study said the study evaluated the link between the blood type and risks of cognitive impairment. However, other studies have indicated high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels were factors that tend to increase the risks of dementia and cognitive impairment.
People with such conditions should be provided with a sort of an urgent care near me treatment, even if it’s only temporary. Cushman also said blood types could be linked with other vascular conditions such as stroke. Thus, the findings only emphasize the links between vascular conditions and brain health. Further research is necessary to confirm the results. Hence, the findings about the link of AB blood type and higher risks of memory loss were published in the Neurology online issue.