Dementia is a serious and life-altering condition that is far more common the older you are. It is a syndrome, meaning it is a group of symptoms, related to the ongoing decline of the brain.
It can therefore lead to behavioural changes, memory loss and even mobility issues. In its early stages the symptoms can be mild and they tend to progress over time.
While many of us are aware of the most common symptoms to look for, they are not necessarily specific to just dementia.
One expert warned that side effects of a common vitamin deficiency could easily be mistaken for dementia.
Speaking to his more than 11 million subscribers on YouTube, Dr Eric Berg said: “I’m going to show you the number one vitamin deficiency that mimics dementia. If you have this idea that you’re getting dementia or someone’s telling you you’re getting dementia it could be a simple vitamin deficiency, not the actual disease dementia.”
He warned that a lack of vitamin B12 could cause some dementia-like symptoms.
Dr Berg said: “What is the most important vitamin for the brain and if you’re deficient can create all sorts of cognitive problems? Well that would be vitamin B12.”
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal product foods such as meat, cheese and eggs.
It is also present in vegan foods like nutritional yeast such as Marmite and some fortified foods like cereal.
However, many people who do not eat animal products often choose to take a daily B12 supplement for this reason.
“B12 is from animal products so if you’re not consuming animal products you probably are going to be deficient unless you take it as a supplement,” Dr Berg said.
According to the NHS, a B12 deficiency can lead to psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety to confusion and dementia.
It can also cause “problems with memory, understanding and judgement”.
Other signs of a B12 deficiency include:
- Extreme tiredness
- A lack of energy
- Pins and needles
- A sore and red tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with your vision.
Other causes of dementia-like symptoms
Dr Berg also advised that certain medications can have dementia-like side effects.
He said: “Another really common cause of dementia are the side effects from medications.
“Especially antacids, bladder medications for bladder control, sleep aids, antidepressants, medication for anxiety, cholesterol medication – statins, blood pressure medications, cortical steroids and alcohol.
“So in other words if you’re starting to get dementia symptoms and you’re on some of these medications get that medication out and start looking at the side effects.”
He added that the following deficiencies can have similar effects:
“Vitamin D slows the process of developing damage in your brain and of course vitamin D comes from the sun,” he said.
“It’s very difficult to get it from the food but it’s in fatty fish, dairy, it’s in cod liver oil, it’s also in mushrooms but not to a large degree.”
