Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 8:26:41 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Low B12 Levels Tied to Brain Shrinkage, Memory Loss

Posted Sep 9, 08 1:22 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause memory loss, particularly in the elderly, reports the BBC. People short on the nutrient were 6 times more likely than individuals with normal levels to experience brain shrinkage, which is strongly linked to dementia, a new study shows. Forty percent of people are believed to have deficient levels of B12, which is found in meat, fish, and milk —and that percentage is even higher among the elderly.

"The best way to reduce your risk of developing dementia is to keep active, eat a balanced diet, don't smoke and visit your GP to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked," say one Alzheimer's doctor.

Source BBC

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Don't Talk Down to Alzheimer's Patients: Docs

    Jul 28, 08 8:30 PM CDT
    Don't Talk Down to Alzheimer's Patients: Docs Even after they lose the ability to communicate easily, Alzheimer’s disease patients remain aware of the world around them and know when they're being talked down to, a study shows. Video evidence suggests patients are twice as likely to accept help from caregivers, and to not shut down or become distressed, when addressed not as children but as adults, the Chicago Tribune reports. More »

Vitamin B12 deficiency dramatically increases the likelihood of brain shrinkage, a new study found.   (Shutter stock)
A shortage of vitamin B12 could contribute to brain shrinkage.   (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

health • elderly • brain • scientific study • dementia • health study • Alzheimer's Disease • memory loss • vitamin B


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »