Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a vital micronutrient involved in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers. According to First-Degree Specialist Doctor Nguyen Huu Khanh, from the Neurology Department at the Neuroscience Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, a lack of B12 disrupts nerve transmission and reduces brain cell efficiency, directly impacting memory and concentration.

This vitamin is essential for maintaining the integrity of the central nervous system. When deficient, the myelin sheath becomes vulnerable, causing electrical impulses transmitted between nerve cells to slow down or become erroneous. Patients may experience symptoms such as forgetfulness, reduced concentration, short-term memory loss, and even personality changes, depression, or confusion.

In severe stages, B12 deficiency can lead to a dementia syndrome, with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, including progressive memory decline and disorientation in space and time. However, unlike Alzheimer's, which involves irreversible brain degeneration, cognitive decline due to B12 deficiency can improve if detected and treated promptly.

Beyond affecting memory, vitamin B12 deficiency also causes megaloblastic anemia, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. Some individuals may experience numbness or tingling in their limbs and loss of balance when walking due to peripheral nerve damage.

According to Doctor Khanh, the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency is common in elderly individuals due to reduced absorption in the stomach. It also affects strict vegetarians who do not supplement B12, people with gastrointestinal conditions such as atrophic gastritis or gastrectomy, and those on long-term stomach acid-inhibiting medications.

A doctor screens a patient for dementia. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

This vitamin is abundant in animal-derived foods such as beef, liver, fish, seafood, eggs, milk, and dairy products. Adults require approximately 2,4 mcg of B12 daily. Vegetarians can supplement B12 through fortified foods (cereals, plant-based milk with added B12) or by taking supplements as prescribed by a doctor. In cases of severe deficiency or malabsorption, a doctor may prescribe B12 injections to rapidly restore blood levels and limit nerve damage.

To determine if memory impairment is linked to micronutrient deficiency, doctors may order a blood test to measure vitamin B12 levels. If necessary, patients may also undergo a brain MRI to rule out degenerative causes or structural brain damage.

Doctors recommend that individuals experiencing rapid memory decline over several months, accompanied by fatigue, numbness or tingling in their limbs, or unexplained anemia, should consult a neurologist. Early detection and treatment help improve memory and prevent long-term nerve damage.

Trong Nghia