Health and Me

Itisha Arya

This Common Vitamin Deficiency Can Look Like Dementia, Doctors Warn

vitamin b12 deficiency

People troubled by increasing forgetfulness are being advised to have their vitamin levels checked, as a shortage of one essential nutrient can cause symptoms that closely resemble dementia. According to the NHS, a deficiency in a key vitamin may lead to neurological issues that affect the nervous system, including problems with memory. 

As per Mirror, Dr Eric Berg, DC, has also drawn attention to what he calls the “leading vitamin deficiency that mimics dementia,” identifying vitamin B12 as a major concern. Adequate levels of this nutrient are vital because it helps form red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body, supports DNA production and regulation, and converts food into usable energy.

Dr Berg, well known for promoting healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, is the author of the bestselling book The Healthy Keto Plan and runs Dr Berg Nutritionals. He has since moved away from clinical practice to focus on sharing health information through online platforms.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and plays a key role in maintaining clear thinking and memory. When levels drop, people may experience weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, nausea, unintended weight loss, irritability, extreme tiredness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Bones, hair, skin, and nails may also suffer. Dr Berg explains: “Vitamin B12 is essential for normal brain function. Without it, symptoms similar to dementia can develop. This vitamin is mainly found in animal-based foods, although some microbes can produce it. Low intake of animal products is the most common reason for <span>vitamin B12 deficiency</span>.”

Research suggests that low B12 levels can impair nerve function and may contribute to conditions such as dementia, peripheral neuropathy, or subacute combined degeneration. A deficiency can also interfere with DNA synthesis and cause homocysteine levels to rise.

On its official website, the NHS states: “Most cases of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency can be treated easily and effectively, so complications are uncommon. However, complications may sometimes occur, particularly if the deficiency has been present for a long time. If neurological problems develop, they can occasionally be permanent.”

The NHS explains that a lack of vitamin B12 may lead to neurological symptoms such as:

<ul><li>vision problems</li><li>memory loss</li><li>pins and needles</li><li>loss of physical coordination (ataxia), which can affect speech or walking</li><li>damage to parts of the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy), especially in the legs</li></ul>

A study published in 2020 found a “clear association between low vitamin B12 levels and progressive cognitive impairment.” Researchers added that more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and to see whether correcting the deficiency can slow cognitive decline.

More than one in ten older adults are estimated to have low vitamin B12 levels. In addition to memory problems, a deficiency may cause other neurological and psychological symptoms, including:

<ul><li>confusion</li><li>difficulty with thinking and reasoning</li><li>tingling or numbness in the hands and feet</li><li>poor balance and coordination</li><li>fatigue</li><li>weakness</li><li>vision disturbances</li><li>peripheral neuropathy affecting the nervous system</li><li>depression, anxiety, paranoia, and delusions</li><li>incontinence</li><li>loss of taste and smell</li></ul>

<h2>Can A Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be Treated?</h2>

If a vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed, treatment usually involves high-dose supplementation, either through injections or oral supplements. GPs may arrange regular blood tests to monitor B12 levels over time.

As per The Mirror, the longer the deficiency goes untreated, the higher the risk of permanent damage. That said, it is often reversible, with many people noticing marked improvement within three to six months. Other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency may include:

<ul><li>numbness, tingling, and pins and needles in the arms and legs</li><li>pale skin</li><li>unsteady walking or balance problems</li><li>a rapid heartbeat</li><li>shortness of breath</li><li>a swollen tongue</li></ul>Low levels of stomach acid, known as hydrochloric acid (HCL), can also contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency, Dr Berg notes. He explains: “Your digestive system needs HCL to properly break down and absorb many vitamins and minerals.

“As we get older, HCL levels naturally decline. They can also drop if you take antacids or medications like Metformin. Interestingly, acid reflux can actually be a sign of low HCL, and antacids may worsen the problem. Betaine hydrochloride is one way to support normal stomach acidity.”

<h2>What Else Is Worth Being Aware Of?</h2>

Deficiencies in other nutrients may also cause symptoms that resemble dementia. Dr Berg highlights vitamin B1, which is often linked to high sugar and carbohydrate intake. Zinc deficiency, sometimes related to phytic acid found in grains, and low vitamin D levels due to limited sun exposure, may also play a role. “Nutrient deficiencies can shrink the hippocampus, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Berg said.

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People troubled by increasing forgetfulness are being advised to have their vitamin levels checked, as a shortage of one essential nutrient can cause symptoms that closely resemble dementia. According to the NHS, a deficiency in a key vitamin may lead to neurological issues that affect the nervous system, including problems with memory. As per Mirror, Dr Eric Berg, DC, has also drawn attention to what he calls the “leading vitamin deficiency that mimics dementia,” identifying vitamin B12 as a major concern. Adequate levels of this nutrient are vital because it helps form red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body, supports DNA production and regulation, and converts food into usable energy.Dr Berg, well known for promoting healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, is the author of the bestselling book The Healthy Keto Plan and runs Dr Berg Nutritionals. He has since moved away from clinical practice to focus on sharing health information through online platforms.Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and plays a key role in maintaining clear thinking and memory. When levels drop, people may experience weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, nausea, unintended weight loss, irritability, extreme tiredness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.Bones, hair, skin, and nails may also suffer. Dr Berg explains: “Vitamin B12 is essential for normal brain function. Without it, symptoms similar to dementia can develop. This vitamin is mainly found in animal-based foods, although some microbes can produce it. Low intake of animal products is the most common reason for vitamin B12 deficiency.”Research suggests that low B12 levels can impair nerve function and may contribute to conditions such as dementia, peripheral neuropathy, or subacute combined degeneration. A deficiency can also interfere with DNA synthesis and cause homocysteine levels to rise.What Does The NHS Say?On its official website, the NHS states: “Most cases of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency can be treated easily and effectively, so complications are uncommon. However, complications may sometimes occur, particularly if the deficiency has been present for a long time. If neurological problems develop, they can occasionally be permanent.”The NHS explains that a lack of vitamin B12 may lead to neurological symptoms such as:vision problemsmemory losspins and needlesloss of physical coordination (ataxia), which can affect speech or walkingdamage to parts of the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy), especially in the legsA study published in 2020 found a “clear association between low vitamin B12 levels and progressive cognitive impairment.” Researchers added that more large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and to see whether correcting the deficiency can slow cognitive decline.More than one in ten older adults are estimated to have low vitamin B12 levels. In addition to memory problems, a deficiency may cause other neurological and psychological symptoms, including:confusiondifficulty with thinking and reasoningtingling or numbness in the hands and feetpoor balance and coordinationfatigueweaknessvision disturbancesperipheral neuropathy affecting the nervous systemdepression, anxiety, paranoia, and delusionsincontinenceloss of taste and smellCan A Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be Treated?If a vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed, treatment usually involves high-dose supplementation, either through injections or oral supplements. GPs may arrange regular blood tests to monitor B12 levels over time.As per The Mirror, the longer the deficiency goes untreated, the higher the risk of permanent damage. That said, it is often reversible, with many people noticing marked improvement within three to six months. Other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency may include:numbness, tingling, and pins and needles in the arms and legspale skinunsteady walking or balance problemsa rapid heartbeatshortness of breatha swollen tongueLow levels of stomach acid, known as hydrochloric acid (HCL), can also contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency, Dr Berg notes. He explains: “Your digestive system needs HCL to properly break down and absorb many vitamins and minerals.“As we get older, HCL levels naturally decline. They can also drop if you take antacids or medications like Metformin. Interestingly, acid reflux can actually be a sign of low HCL, and antacids may worsen the problem. Betaine hydrochloride is one way to support normal stomach acidity.”What Else Is Worth Being Aware Of?Deficiencies in other nutrients may also cause symptoms that resemble dementia. Dr Berg highlights vitamin B1, which is often linked to high sugar and carbohydrate intake. Zinc deficiency, sometimes related to phytic acid found in grains, and low vitamin D levels due to limited sun exposure, may also play a role. “Nutrient deficiencies can shrink the hippocampus, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Berg said.