According to a large-scale study, individuals with a specific blood type may face a significantly higher risk of cognitive decline as they age. Researchers found that people with blood type AB have an 82% greater likelihood of experiencing memory, attention, or language difficulties compared to those with other blood types. These issues can, over time, progress toward dementia.
The study followed more than 30,000 participants aged 45 to 98, analyzing their cognitive function and blood samples over an average period of three years. Scientists identified that those with blood type AB tend to have higher levels of a clotting protein called factor VIII. Elevated levels of this protein can make the blood thicker or more viscous, potentially impairing blood flow in the brain’s small vessels and reducing oxygen supply to neurons over the long term.
While knowing one’s blood type is essential for medical situations like transfusions or pregnancy, growing research highlights its broader implications for health. Previous studies have linked blood type to risks for stroke, cancer, and immune function, and now cognitive aging is emerging as another area of concern.
In France, blood type AB is the least common among the population, yet those who carry it may benefit from increased awareness and preventive strategies to support brain health. Experts suggest that managing cardiovascular risk factors and maintaining healthy circulation could play a role in mitigating potential effects associated with this blood type.
The findings underscore the importance of understanding how biological traits like blood type may influence long-term neurological outcomes, offering a novel avenue for personalized approaches to cognitive wellness and dementia prevention.
