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Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AN00478
- With Mayo Clinic clinical neuropsychologist
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Glenn Smith is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Smith, a Lincoln, Neb., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990 and works with neurologists, psychiatrists, internists, social workers and nurses involved in diagnosing and providing care for people with dementia and their families.
"For Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no cure," he says. "The best "medicine" for patient and family remains education and support. Hopefully, Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's disease Web resources contribute to compassionate care and understanding for Alzheimer's families."
Dr. Smith is a professor of psychology at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, a division co-chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, and principal investigator of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Education and Information Transfer Core. He is past president of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Clinical Neuropsychology Division of the American Psychological Association.
Risk factors (2)
- Oophorectomy (ovary removal): A risk factor for dementia?
- Alzheimer's: Can a head injury increase my risk?
Symptoms (1)
- Sundowning: Late-day confusion
Tests and diagnosis (2)
- Rapidly progressing Alzheimer's: Something else?
- Alzheimer's test: Detection at the earliest stages
Complications (1)
- Phantosmia: What causes olfactory hallucinations?
Treatments and drugs (3)
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- Folic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
- Alzheimer's nose spray: New Alzheimer's treatment?
Lifestyle and home remedies (2)
- Alzheimer's: Can a Mediterranean diet lower my risk?
- Music and Alzheimer's: Can it help?
Alternative medicine (5)
- Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
- Phosphatidylserine supplements: Can they improve memory?
- Ginkgo biloba: Can it prevent memory loss?
- see all in Alternative medicine
Coping and support (1)
- Elder care for Alzheimer's: Choosing a provider
Prevention (3)
- Alzheimer's disease: Can exercise prevent memory loss?
- Alzheimer's prevention: Does it exist?
- Benefits of being bilingual: Delay Alzheimer's?
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Question
Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory in Alzheimer's?
Can vitamin B-12 improve memory in Alzheimer's disease?
Answer
from Glenn Smith, Ph.D.
Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency — most common in older adults and vegetarians — can cause various signs and symptoms, including memory loss. In such cases, vitamin B-12 supplements can help improve memory.
In the absence of a vitamin B-12 deficiency, there's no evidence that vitamin B-12 supplements enhance memory for people who have Alzheimer's disease. Still, vitamin B-12 remains an important part of a healthy diet.
Vitamin B-12 is found naturally in foods that come from animals, including fish, meat and poultry. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B-12 as well. If you're concerned that you're not getting enough vitamin B-12 or other specific nutrients, consult your doctor — especially if you're an older adult or a vegetarian.
Next questionFolic acid supplements: Can they slow cognitive decline?
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin B12. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminB12/. Accessed Nov. 8, 2010.
- Van Dyck CH, et al. Cognitive and psychiatric effects of vitamin B12 replacement in dementia with low serum B12 levels: A nursing home study. International Psychogeriatrics. 2009;21:138.
- Lin YT, et al. Regular vitamin B12 supplementation among older Chinese men in a veterans care home in Taiwan. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2009;49:186.
- Hvas AM, et al. No effect of vitamin B-12 treatment on cognitive function and depression: A randomized placebo controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2004;81:269.
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