Synopsis
A study suggests that an aging brain in sickle cell disease patients may contribute to cognitive challenges. Researchers from Washington University found that individuals with the disease displayed brains appearing 14 years older than their actual age, indicating a potential link between this condition and cognitive impairment.Key Takeaways
- Sickle cell disease causes cognitive issues.
- Individuals' brain ages may exceed their actual ages.
- Economic hardship influences brain aging.
- MRI scans can aid in diagnosing neurological conditions.
- Understanding these factors may lead to better treatment options.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) A recent study suggests that an aging brain in individuals suffering from sickle cell disease may be linked to cognitive difficulties.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder marked by the presence of irregular hemoglobin (Hb).
Individuals with this condition are prone to issues with memory, concentration, learning, and problem-solving.
These challenges can occur even in the absence of a brain stroke. To investigate this, researchers and medical professionals from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis analyzed over 200 young adults, both with and without sickle cell disease.
Participants underwent brain MRI scans and various cognitive assessments. Their brain age was determined using a predictive tool developed from MRI scans of more than 14,000 healthy individuals with known ages.
The calculated brain age was then compared to the actual age of each participant. Findings published in JAMA Network Open indicated that those with sickle cell disease had brains that appeared, on average, 14 years older than their chronological age.
Moreover, participants with older-appearing brains scored lower on cognitive evaluations.
The research also highlighted that individuals facing economic hardship, who struggle to fulfill basic needs, exhibit similar aged brain characteristics, even in the absence of sickle cell disease.
On average, a seven-year difference was observed between the brain age and actual age among healthy individuals living in poverty.
“Sickle cell disease is congenital, persistently depriving the developing brain of oxygen, potentially impacting its growth from birth. Additionally, children exposed to prolonged economic hardship and poverty face cognitive challenges that hinder their academic success,” stated Andria Ford, a professor of neurology at Washington University Medicine.
This study emphasizes the need to comprehend how sickle cell disease and economic deprivation affect brain structure, which may lead to treatment and prevention strategies that could safeguard cognitive function.
The research team also pointed out that a single MRI scan can serve as an effective tool for assisting patients with neurological disorders.
