Adults with sickle cell disease scored worse on memory function tests than healthy adults, suggesting the blood disorder may affect brain function

Researchers have found that people with sickle cell disease scored lower on tests of intellect, working memory, processing speed and attention span than healthy people. The differences in intelligence were striking enough that researchers worry some patients might have trouble staying employed, managing their money and keeping track of their medications. The oldest and the sickest sickle cell patients scored the worst, suggesting the longer a person lived with the disease or the worse it was, the bigger the effect on brain function.

Related:

Study: Lower IQs in adult sickle cell patients

Adults with sickle cell disease suffer mental impairment, study finds