Page 127 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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Poor sleep
Mild forgetfulness

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Folic acid deficiency by itself does not cause severe memory loss. However, folic acid deficiency
can aggravate the effects of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency.

Symptoms and Signs of Vitamin B12
(Cyanocobalamin)Deficiency

Deficits in touch, pain, and heat sensation
Unsteadiness in walking
Fatigue
Memory loss
Anemia (macrocytic type: large blood cells)
Low vitamin B12 blood levels

If You're a Vegetarian

Vitamin B12 occurs only in animal products, so strict vegetarians are likely to develop B12
deficiency. But this standard medical explanation does not fit well with the facts: nearly a billion
people in Asia practice strict vegetarianism for religious reasons, but their rates of vitamin B12
deficiency are no higher than in the United States or Europe.

There is another way to get B12 deficiency. A substance called intrinsic factor in the stomach is
necessary for vitamin B12 to be absorbed into the bloodstream. So even if vitamin B12 oral intake is
normal, lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Special diagnostic
tests help distinguish between these two causes. If there is intrinsic factor deficiency, swallowing
more vitamin B12 doesn't do much good and monthly vitamin B12 injections become necessary.

If Youre Older: Take a Daily Multivitamin Tablet

These vitamin deficiencies are rare but are becoming more widespread among the elderly who live
alone or are disabled. They may not keep track of what they need to eat, or when they should eat.
Problems with dentures also worsen nutritional deficiencies. Maintaining proper hydration and
nutrition is essential. Family members