The University of Melbourne examined the connection between low vitamin B12and _.Neurodegenerative disease and cognitive impairment.₁ They found that Vitamin B12 levels in the subclinical, low-normal range (less than 250 pmol/L) are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease and vascular dementia.

UM also found that with an absolute B12 deficiency (<150 pmol/L) is associated with cognitive impairment or dementia.  Vegans or Vegetarians and the use of metformin (a commonly used drug in the control of diabetes) contribute to depressed vitamin B12 levels and increase the risk for cognitive impairment/dementia.  UM also found that a small subset of dementias is reversible with the use of vitamin B12 therapy which is safe and inexpensive_.2  

Are you at risk for cognitive impairment/dementia?  At our office we test for vitamin B12.  The cost for this test is $50.  

Benjamin Franklin said it correctly, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

1.  International Psychogeriatrics 2010; (4): 541-556
2.  Wise Traditions, Winter 2020, Caustic Commentary, p 12