Dementia: Vitamin Deficiency May Increase Risk by 68%

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The world's approach to dementia has changed in recent years. In the past, it was seen as an inevitable part of aging, something that happened as one got older. However, in the second half of the 20th century, scientists discovered that dementia is a disease. As a result, they realized that dementia is similar to other diseases in that it can be treated and potentially cured.

However, the path to new treatments has not been easy.

Folate deficiency in the blood may be associated with an increased likelihood of dementia. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid is used by the body to form healthy red blood cells and reduce the risk of birth defects.

“Folic acid concentrations may function as a biomarker used to identify individuals at risk of dementia and mortality. Further research is needed to “examine the role of folate deficiency in dementia,” the therapist said.

Folate deficiency leads to a condition known as folate deficiency anemia.

Possible symptoms of deficiency of folic acid:

• Decreased sense of taste
• Diarrhea
• Numbness and tingling in the legs and arms
• Muscle weakness
• Depression
• Symptoms such as associated with anemia

“Complications of folic acid deficiency include infertility, cardiovascular disease, cancer, problems with childbirth, neural tube defects and folic acid,” adds the doctor.