Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Dementia
Clinical Study Title:
Vitamin B12 deficiency in dementia and cognitive impairment: the
effects of treatment on neuropsychological function.
| Plain
English Summary: |
There
is a well established link between a vitamin b12 deficiency
and dementia, but there are not many studies that
look at the use of vitamin b12 to treat dementia.
This study examined the use of vitamin b12 to treat
dementia and improve cognitive function. A total of
123 patients with dementia or cognitive impairment
and low b12 levels in the blood participated in this
study. The b12 supplements were not able to reverse
the dementia, but it did appear to stop the worsening
of the condition. Those patients with cognitive impairment
and not dementia however did help to improve cognitive
functioning. Vitamin b12 should be considered for
all patients with dementia, as it can stop the progression
of the dementia, and for patients with cognitive impairment,
it can help to improve frontal lobe functioning. |
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Authors:
Eastley R. Wilcock GK. Bucks RS.
Institution:
Avon and Western Wiltshire Mental Health Care NHS Trust, Southmead
Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Country of Publication:
England
Source:
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 15(3):226-33, 2000
Mar.
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