Britons struggling with memory lapses are being urged to check their vitamin levels, as a deficiency in a key nutrient can produce symptoms that may mimic those of dementia. According to the NHS, insufficient levels of a particular essential vitamin can lead to neurological complications affecting the nervous system, including memory loss.

For those in the UK grappling with memory issues, there is a growing call to evaluate vitamin levels, as a deficit in a crucial nutrient could lead to symptoms resembling dementia. The NHS has pointed out that a shortage of specific essential vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, can result in neurological problems that affect the nervous system, including memory impairment.

Dr. Eric Berg, a well-known figure in the health community, has identified vitamin B12 deficiency as a significant factor that can mimic dementia-like symptoms. This vitamin is indispensable for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body, regulate and produce DNA, and convert food into energy.

Why is the deficiency concerning?

Dr. Berg, who has gained popularity through his advocacy of healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, authored the bestseller “The Healthy Keto Plan” and founded Dr. Berg Nutritionals. Having transitioned from clinical practice, he now focuses on disseminating health information via social media, reaching a broad audience.

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 is critical for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and preserving cognitive abilities and memory. According to the Mirror, a decline in vitamin B12 can lead to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, mobility issues, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and a rapid heartbeat.

Dr. Berg explains that vitamin B12 is crucial for normal brain function, and a deficiency can manifest as dementia-like symptoms. This vitamin is predominantly found in animal-based foods, though some microbes can produce it. The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is a diet low in animal products.

What does the NHS say?

According to the NHS website: “As most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency can be easily and effectively treated, complications are rare. But complications can occasionally develop, particularly if you have been deficient in either vitamin for some time… If neurological problems do develop, they can sometimes be irreversible.”

The health service warns that vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger neurological complications, including:

• vision problems
• memory loss
• pins and needles
• loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking
• damage to parts of the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy), particularly in the legs

A 2020 study found a “clear association between low vitamin B12 levels and progressive cognitive impairment”. Nevertheless, researchers acknowledged that “further studies are needed to confirm and refine the observed associations over a larger scale and to determine whether this change will translate to a reduction in cognitive decline”.

Research shows that more than 10% of older adults have insufficient vitamin B12 levels. Apart from memory problems, a lack of vitamin B12 can lead to various neurological complications and mental health symptoms, such as:

• Confusion
• Difficulty thinking and reasoning
• Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Vision problems
• Peripheral neuropathy, which damages the nervous system
• Depression, anxiety, paranoia, and delusions
• Incontinence
• Loss of taste and smell

Can vitamin B12 deficiency be reversed?

When diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, treatment typically involves high-dose supplementation, administered either through injections or oral supplements. Your doctor may conduct routine blood tests to monitor your vitamin B12 status.

The longer the deficiency goes untreated, the higher the likelihood of permanent damage. However, the condition is reversible, with most patients experiencing significant improvements within three to six months.

Further signs of vitamin B12 deficiency may include:

• Numbness, pins and needles, and tingling in the extremities
• Pale skin
• Poor balance or staggering
• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the tongue

Insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, he pointed out. Explaining the mechanism, Dr Berg stated: “Your digestive system requires HCL to break down and absorb many vitamins and minerals.

“As you age, your HCL level decreases. It can also decrease if you take antacids or Metformin. Interestingly, acid reflux can be a sign of low HCL, and taking antacids can make matters worse. Betaine hydrochloride is the best way to promote normal stomach acidity.”

The medical expert also emphasises that dementia-like symptoms can result from adverse reactions to particular medications and substances, such as:

• Antacids
• Bladder medications
• Sleep aids
• SSRIs
• Cholesterol medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Steroids
• Alcohol

Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal-based foods, including meat (such as beef and liver), fish (including salmon, tuna, sardines, and clams), poultry, eggs, and dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt). For those following vegan or vegetarian diets, fortified cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast serve as crucial alternatives, since B12 is rarely present naturally in plant foods.

Top sources include clams, beef liver, sardines, salmon, and fortified products, all of which are vital for sustaining energy levels and supporting nerve health.

What other factors should you consider?

Deficiencies in various nutrients can also produce dementia-like symptoms, Dr Berg warns. Vitamin B1 deficiency, for instance, is commonly associated with excessive sugar and carbohydrate consumption.

Similarly, zinc deficiency often results from phytic acid present in grains, whilst vitamin D shortfalls typically arise from inadequate sunlight exposure. “Nutrient deficiencies may shrink your hippocampus, which leads to Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Berg explained.

Research published under the title ‘Concurrent nutrient deficiencies are associated with dementia incidence’ confirms: “Concurrent nutrient deficiencies are associated with the risk of dementia.”

Nevertheless, it notes: “The potential of optimising nutritional status to lower dementia risk warrants further study.”

Additionally, a UCL study reveals that “hippocampus size linked with cognitive decline even in those with no signs of Alzheimer’s”. Dr Berg added: “Increasing your ketones will help nourish a brain starved of fuel and nutrients”.

If you’re noticing symptoms of dementia, Dr Berg suggests discussing with your doctor the possibility of starting a keto diet, increasing your intake of fatty fish, red meat and seafood, and considering betaine hydrochloride.

Early common symptoms of dementia:

• Forgetting recent events, names, and faces
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty planning or organising
• Difficulty with language and communication
• Misunderstanding what is being seen
• Being confused about time or place
• Mood changes or difficulty controlling emotions

Other symptoms:

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Becoming more withdrawn or anxious
• Misplacing common items, such as glasses or keys
• Difficulty learning new things
• Reduced motivation
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Depression or anxiety

As the disease advances, individuals may exhibit aggressive behaviour, find it difficult to recognise their illness, experience disrupted sleep patterns, and suffer from false perceptions or confusion about identity, along with a distorted sense of time. Everyone’s experience with dementia is unique, and different forms of the disease can impact people in diverse ways.

The initial warning signs of dementia can be quite subtle and easy to overlook. If you have any concerns or notice any of the mentioned symptoms, seek advice from a GP. If a vitamin deficiency isn’t the cause, your doctor will explore other potential reasons.