Blood type may affect memory loss in later years, according to a recent study.

American researchers found that people with blood type AB -- approximately 4 percent of the United States population -- may be more likely to develop memory loss in later years than people with other blood types, BBC News reported.

"Our study looks at blood type and risk of cognitive impairment, but several studies have shown that factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," study author Mary Cushman said in a study. "Blood type is also related to other vascular conditions like stroke, so the findings highlight the connections between vascular issues and brain health."

For the study, Cushman and her colleagues collected and analyzed data from more than 30,000 United States citizens aged 45 years and older.

In those who had no memory or thinking problems at the beginning, the study identified 495 participants who developed thinking and memory problems, or cognitive impairment, during the three-year study. They were compared to 587 people with no cognitive problems.

The study found that people with AB blood were 82 percent more likely to develop the thinking and memory problems that can lead to dementia than people with other blood types.

People with AB blood type made up 6 percent of the group who developed cognitive impairment, which is higher than the 4 percent found in the population.

Previous studies have shown that people with type O blood have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, factors that can increase the risk of memory loss and dementia.

Cushman said more research is needed to confirm the results.

The findings were recently published in the online issue of Neurology.