Abstract

Abstract: Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent form of anemia
especially in developing countries. Females of child bearing age are vulnerable for developing
IDA due to menstrual blood loss, dietary deficiency, pregnancy and lactation. IDA is
diagnosed by low blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels which correlates with body iron
stores. Of the various biological effects of iron, there are many evidences that iron effects
normal neurological functioning and development. This forms the biological basis for the
behavioral and cognitive developmental delays observed in iron-deficient anemic infants and
children. Reduced levels of blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin has been positively correlated
with low cognitive score and altered evoked potentials in females with IDA. Lack of research
studies to know the effect of IDA on neurophysiological parameters like cognitive
performance, event related potential and brainstem auditory response are little explored in
Indian adult females.
Methods: Cognitive status is assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale
which is validated testing scale for diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and
neurophysiological assessment is done using auditory Event Related Potential (ERP / P300)
and Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). MoCA score, ERP and BERA values
will be compared in females with iron deficiency anemia and normal females and also
associated with blood hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. IDA may impair Cognitive
performance and hearing in adult females which may have tremendous impact on
understanding of speech and problem solving in them.
Hence, the aim of the study is to confirm a relationship between IDA and neuro-cognitive
features using cognitive scale and evoked potentials in adult females.