Synopsis

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

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) has been investigated for its role in cognitive function and dementia, particularly because B12 deficiency is known to cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including memory impairment and confusion. There is scientific evidence that severe B12 deficiency can mimic or worsen dementia-like symptoms, and in such cases, B12 supplementation can reverse or ameliorate cognitive deficits. This has led to routine screening for B12 deficiency in patients presenting with cognitive impairment or dementia.

However, for individuals with normal B12 levels or mild cognitive impairment not related to deficiency, the evidence supporting B12 supplementation to treat or prevent dementia is weak. Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have found that B12 supplementation in non-deficient older adults does not significantly improve cognitive outcomes or slow the progression of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Thus, while B12 supplementation is clearly warranted and effective for cognitive symptoms due to deficiency, the practice of using it more broadly in dementia is not strongly supported by scientific evidence. B12 is included in some “memory support” supplements based on its essential role in neurological health, but its use for dementia outside of true deficiency is not justified by robust clinical data.

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