About 5.8 million People in the U.S. Might Misdiagnose Dementia: Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms to Watch For
About 5.8 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, significantly impacting individuals nationwide. However, not all cases of memory loss indicate dementia, according to medical professionals.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the numerous factors that can lead to dementia-like symptoms, such as cognitive impairment and thinking difficulties, as explained by Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute. This deficiency poses a potential health issue that can be reversed, making it crucial for individuals with older loved ones to monitor.
What is Vitamin B12 and its Importance?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in DNA production, as well as the development and function of the central nervous system. It can be obtained through dietary sources like meat, dairy, eggs, fortified foods, and supplements in the recommended daily dose of 2.4 micrograms for most adults. However, certain factors can lead to its deficiency.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Following a vegan diet for an extended period is a known risk factor for acquiring a vitamin B12 deficiency due to the limited natural sources of this vitamin. Additionally, individuals who have taken diabetes medication, such as metformin, or certain drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) over an extended period may also be at risk. Gastrointestinal conditions, stomach surgery, and older age further contribute to the likelihood of developing a deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Fatigue is one of the most common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. This fatigue, along with related symptoms, can be misinterpreted as depression or dementia. Cognitive impairments, forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and impaired task completion are other common symptoms. Severe cases of deficiency may even lead to the development of delusions and paranoia.
Distinguishing Vitamin B12 Deficiency from Dementia Symptoms
Physical examinations alone may not be conclusive in differentiating between vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia symptoms. However, if a patient exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms along with cognitive issues, doctors may suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency. The presence of both body and cognitive changes can indicate the potential influence of a treatable cause like vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Detection
When a vitamin B12 deficiency is suspected, doctors typically order blood work to confirm the deficiency. However, low vitamin B12 levels do not solely implicate the deficiency as the cause of the symptoms. To confirm the deficiency as the leading cause of the symptoms, doctors may prescribe a vitamin B12 supplement and monitor the patient’s response.
Addressing Possible Dementia-Like Symptoms
If a loved one shows signs of dementia, it is essential to seek a healthcare provider’s evaluation. Memory changes should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging without proper assessment. Doctors may order a blood test to check for vitamin B12 deficiency and other potential contributing factors. In the case of confirmed deficiency, oral or intramuscular vitamin B12 supplements may be prescribed. Adjusting medication, if it is a potential cause behind the deficiency, could also be recommended.
Reversibility of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
It is important to note that vitamin B12 deficiency and its associated symptoms are reversible through appropriate vitamin B12 supplementation. The effects of supplements are usually noticeable within weeks, offering hope and improvement for affected individuals.
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