Regulation of brain iron homeostasis and its influence on cognitive function

Question What are the associations among blood iron levels, brain iron content, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and attention performance in healthy women? Findings Reduced systemic and brain iron levels were significantly associated with elevated CBF. Variability in both iron levels was linked to alterations in attention performance. Clinical relevance The observed associations between systemic and brain iron status and cognitive performance highlight the importance of maintaining blood-brain iron homeostasis to prevent cognitive dysfunction, particularly in individuals with iron deficiency.