A Logical Approach to the Investigation of Various Anemias in the Elderly

Jeffrey Kwong, BSc

Anemia, a common problem in the elderly, warrants thorough investigation. Among those aged 85 years and older, the prevalence of the disorder ranges between 27% and 40% in men and between 16% and 21% in women.^1,2 Anemia has been defined by the World Health Organization as a hemoglobin concentration below 120 g/L in women and below 130 g/L in men.³ This definition was recently confirmed to be clinically relevant in the elderly, with increased risk of mortality (especially from malignant and infectious causes) linked to lower hemoglobin concentrations.⁴ Thus, it is important not to dismiss anemia as a normal aspect of aging, and to make efforts to determine and treat the underlying cause.