Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12 (5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin)
For the health condition: Dementia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B12 (in the form of 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin and other cobalamin derivatives) has been investigated for its role in cognitive function and dementia, primarily because B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms, including memory impairment and cognitive decline that may mimic or worsen dementia. Several observational studies have found that low serum B12 levels are associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. Furthermore, B12 deficiency is a recognized, reversible cause of dementia-like symptoms (“reversible dementia”), and supplementation in deficient individuals can improve or resolve cognitive symptoms.

However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with established dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) but without clear B12 deficiency have generally not demonstrated significant cognitive benefit from B12 supplementation. Meta-analyses conclude that while B12 supplementation is effective in correcting deficiency and may prevent or reverse cognitive symptoms where deficiency exists, there is little evidence that supplementation benefits cognitively healthy older adults or those with dementia who have normal B12 levels.

In summary, scientific evidence supports B12 supplementation for cognitive symptoms only in cases of deficiency (rating: 2/5), but not as a general treatment for dementia.

More about Vitamin B12 (5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin)
More about Dementia

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B12 (5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin)

Anemia
Dementia
Depression
Fatigue
Memory and Brain Function
Nerve Damage
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pernicious Anemia

Products containing Vitamin B12 (5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin)

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