The Cognitive Cost of Iron Deficiency & Parasitic Infection in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia in infants can cause developmental problems. However, the relationship between iron status and cognitive achievement in older children is less clear. The objective of the present work was to study the impact of iron deficiency and parasitic infection on cognitive functions and scholastic achievement of adolescent girls. The study recruited 180 adolescent girls aged 11-16 years. Two iron tests were used; hemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin. Cognitive functions were assessed using The Standardized Arabic Version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children [WISC] while data on scholastic achievement was collected through school records. Stool was examined using Kato-Katz technique. The study revealed that 43.3% had anemia of different degrees, 48.3% had decreased level [<12μg/l] of serum ferritin; [82.8%] of them had progressed to iron deficiency anemia [IDA]. 22.4% of the studied sample had parasitic infection; mostly Ascaris Imbricoides [8.6%]. The mean cognitive scores of iron-deficient girls with and without anemia were significantly lower than the control group on the studied subtests of WISC [similarity, comprehension, picture arrangement, and digit symbol tests], while parasitic infection only affected the similarity subtest. The scholastic achievement was insignificantly affected by neither iron deficiency nor parasitic infection. Thus screening for iron deficiency, particularly for those without anemia, might be warranted for high-risk groups. Furthermore, a randomized trial will be needed to evaluate the effect of iron therapy on cognitive scores.