Aging or B12 Vitamin deficiency.
Amazingly Aging or B12 Deficiency is a serious health issue - especially for those over age 60 Sally M. Pacholok R. N. reports that in her years of nursing she has seen many cases of patients with missed diagnoses of this vitamin deficiency - including some persons rushed to the emergency room or those diagnosed as having age related dementia. Pacholok believes that this missed diagnosis is doing as much damage as polio did back in the 1940's. Sally M. Pacholok joined with Jeffrey J. Stuart, D. O. to write Could It Be B12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses published by Quill Driver Books. Is is an important book for anyone over 60 since it seems that this particular vitamin deficiency becomes more common you age. B12 deficiency is also common among vegetarians.... Symptoms that could be the result of either Aging or B12 Deficiency - Mental confusion, memory loss, irritability, apathy, sleepiness, personality changes, depression, hallucinations,violent behavior. Not all of these are seen in each case but any of them could be symptoms.
- Abnormal sensations eg, pain, tingling, numbness, diminished sense of touch or temperature, clumsiness, tremor, weakness, incontinence, vision changes, damage to the optic nerve
- TIAs (transient ischemic attacks), stroke, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, palpitations, bloodclots, low blood pressure when standing up - sometimes causes falls or fainting.
- Chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems, osteoporosis, tinnitus, prematurely grey hair
Amazing list isn't it? Since the deficiency can attack the myelin that surrounds and protect nerve fibres, just as MS does, sometimes patients are diagnosed as having MS when they really have a vitamin deficiency. Also, since the deficiency is common in those over age 60, sometimes patients are diagnosed with age related dementia when they present with confusion, memory loss etc. Patients often go through much expensive testing Xrays, blood tests, psychiatric evaluations, DKG, MRI, CT scansbut the one screening that is NOT done is the one for this essential vitamin. Even the standard serum test, may not be enough since some medications mask low levels of B12 as do some medical conditions such as "liver disease, alcoholism, myelon proliferative disorders, lymphoma or intestinal bacterial overgrowth." there are adjunctive tests for high levels of MMA and Hcy which indicate low B12. If you are concerned about Aging or B12 deficiency, you can add B12 supplements to your diet and see if you experience improvement. And the good thing about the B vitamins is that they do not accumulate in your body and you will simply excrete any that you do not need. To buy Vitamin B12 or complete B vitamin supplements, you can check out a company I, myself use. They off brand names at deep discounts. Click here Save up to 80% Everyday at Vitacost.com! Click Here! Who is at risk for Aging or B12 Deficiency Problems? - Those over age 60
- Vegetarians or anyone whose diet is low meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs.
- Alcoholics
- Abdominal or intestinal surgery
- Anyone with Crohn's disease
- anyone with other intestinal malabsorption disorders
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- Those with pernicious anemia or those taking certain drugs
How expensive is it to treat this deficiency? It is one of the least expensive treatments - regular shots ofB12 will make all the difference AND if they are started soon enough the symptoms will reverse themselves. Oldpeople have regained their faculties. Others are able to walk wiht out falling. But if the remedy is applied too late (after 6 months) some symptoms may be reversed but not all. If you or a loved one experiences any of the above symptoms, do talk to your physician about Aging or B12 vitamindeficiency. Few physicians do routine screenings - though they often order more elaborate tests. Here is a timeto speak up. Ask to be screened. It is an inexpensive test that could make all the difference in your quality oflife.
Note: It may not be B12 deficiency. It could be a something else. Before you leave this page, do read Aging or B12 or Undiagnosed Lyme Disease If you want to buy Vitamin B12, Save up to 80% Everyday at Vitacost.com! Click Here! where you get professional service at low prices. (I use them for my on-line purchases of supplements because I trust this company that has doctors on board.) Learn more about Anti-Aging Supplements AND before you leave do Sign up for our free monthly newsletter. No ads. No gimmicks. Just the latest research and practical tips at Newsletter sign up
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