Article about low b12 and MCI (Minimal Cognitive Impairment)

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Thought some of you might find this article interesting

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[JanD236]

Very interesting thank you.

I’d definitely say in my study of 1 (me) that low B12 levels are linked to declining cognitive abilities! I remember being on a very low level training course and we had to do a role play and bring in 3 particular points. I just could not hold these 3 points in my brain, I could only remember 1 and occasionally a 2nd would flit in and out of my consciousness. In the past I’d had a fairly high level career so it shocked me!

Now I’m happy with my injection frequency I’d say I’m much better than I was when deficient although I wish I could claim to be as good as I was when I was younger. At 61 maybe some of it is straightforward age related.

[Ghound in reply to JanD236]

Hi, I know what you mean !Before I realised I was ill, I was on an IT course at work. It was meant to last all day, and obviously whatever was learned in the morning was pertinent to the afternoon session.

Well by lunchtime I had to call it a day as I just wasn't able to keep up and absorb any more info.

My manager was astounded that I was refusing to attend the course which was mandatory as I'd never behaved like that before, but I just couldn't ...

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Yes- interesting. Thanks, Sleepybunny .

A shame that MMA levels, though mentioned initially, were not included in study tests.

I am sure that there is a direct connection between low B12 and poor cognitive function, which is unrelated to any relationship with ageing process.

I went from doing a full-time degree course while being a full-time tutor to not being able to record my injection appointments in my diary- even when being read out really slowly by the receptionist at the GP surgery - and having the pharmacy assistant speak to my partner, because I couldn't remember simple instructions!

[fireflymairi]

That's really interesting, thanks for sharing.

It's sad how many elderly people out there are experiencing impaired cognition, but having it just being written off as "old age", when it may be treatable.

[Janma123]

Thanks Sleepybunny, that is really interesting and fits my husband perfectly, and possibly my dad, who is nearly 97. Routine testing and raising the cut off levels would probably make a huge difference to so many lives and save a fortune in care costs.

[Sleepybunny]

I wondered if local CCG/Health Board diagnostic pathways for dementia include checking for B12 deficiency?

Let me know if any do...

B12 deficiency is mentioned in NICE CKS Dementia link below under Differential diagnosis.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/deme...

MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) is mentioned.

Thought the link above might be useful to some UK forum members with cognitive issues to get them to consider the possibility of B12 deficiency. It suggests that GPs refer to NICE CKS guidance on B12 deficiency and Folate deficiency.

NICE guidelines B12 and Folate deficiency anaemia

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

[HeartyGilly]

Very interesting, thank you.