Related Experiment Videos
Vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia
U G Cunha1, F L Rocha, J M Peixoto
1Geriatric Unit, Hospital dos Servidores do Estado de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
International Psychogeriatrics
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is common in dementia patients. Replacement therapy rarely reverses cognitive decline, suggesting irreversible dementia or short follow-up periods are key factors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is a potential contributor to cognitive impairment in the elderly.
- Dementia diagnosis relies on criteria like DSM-III/DSM-III-R and cognitive assessments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cobalamin replacement on cognitive function in demented patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in a cohort of demented outpatients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 181 demented outpatients (mean age 77.5 years).
- Measurement of serum vitamin B12 levels using radioimmunoassay.
- Assessment of cognitive function using MMSE scores before and after cobalamin replacement.
Main Results:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency was identified in 25% (46/181) of the study population.
- Of 19 patients treated with cobalamin, 16 showed persistent cognitive decline over 3-24 months.
- Improvement in MMSE scores was observed only in patients with mild dementia and symptom duration less than 2 years.
Conclusions:
- Cobalamin replacement therapy has limited efficacy in reversing cognitive decline in most demented patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Non-response may be due to irreversible dementia or insufficient follow-up duration.
- Screening for vitamin B12 deficiency is recommended for patients presenting with recent-onset mild cognitive changes.