Vitamin B12 May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Care According to Study

Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  September 15, 2019

Vitamin B12 May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Care

Vitamin B12 May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Care | Vitamin B12 may play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s according to a Scandanavian study. The study found that Vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The study included 271 participants 65 to 79 years old. Researchers took blood samples of the group which has not shown any signs of dementia. Blood was tested for:

• B12
• Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is found in the body and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers followed the participants over a seven-year period and found that 17 of the participants had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Interestingly, the group of 17 had higher levels of homocysteine and low levels of Vitamin B12.

Individuals in the study that decided to increase their consumption of Vitamin B12 also experienced a decrease of 2% risk of Alzheimer’s for every unit increase in B12. Researchers suggest that the increase in Vitamin B12 may be able to fight back against Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin B12 is very potent and has been shown to naturally lower the levels of homocysteine in the body.

Seniors are often deficient in this key vitamin, and it should be included in a person’s nutrition plan as they age. Many foods are being fortified with Vitamin B12, and it can naturally be found in:

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish

Science has also proven that B12 can be beneficial in a series of other ways. This key vitamin has been shown to assist with:

• Formation of red blood cells which can help combat anemia
• Support bone health and stop osteoporosis from developing according to a 2,500-person study
• Reducing a person’s risk of macular degeneration
• Seniors that are suffering from depression and mood-related problems
• The prevention of neuron loss in the brain
• Prevention of memory loss and brain atrophy
• Energy production
• Improvement of heart health by reducing homocysteine levels

It’s estimated that around 6% of people over the age of 60 have lower Vitamin B12 levels. And about 20% of seniors have low or borderline deficient levels of B12.

If a senior does have very low levels of Vitamin B12, there’s also the option to have intramuscular or oral injections which will add an abundance of B12 into a person’s bloodstream.

Caretakers should ensure that seniors have their vitamin levels checked and that any deficiencies are addressed either through diet or some form of supplementation.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help Alzheimer’s Care

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

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