Dr just prescribed weekly B12 shots for Mom. Any ideas?

Vitamin B12 is poorly absorbed from food in people over 50. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia and a dementia that is indistinguishable from Alzheimer's dementia. The cause of the poor absorption from the stomach should be determined and treated if possible.

The treatment of dementia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency is by weekly injections for several months or indefinitely. The dementia may be reversed after several months, or the dementia may be permanent.

Iris L.

Dear Possum,

Thank you for writing to us, and thanks for your information, Iris. Of course, Care Consultants are not medically trained, but I’ll provide the information that I do have about this topic.

A vitamin B12 deficiency means that the body does not have enough of this vitamin. B12 is needed to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body. Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, which can lead to the following symptoms: feeling weak, tired, lightheaded, pale skin, bleeding gums, a sore, red tongue, feeling nauseous, weight loss, diarrhea or constipation. Chronically low levels of B12 can damage nerve cells. This can lead to numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, poor sense of balance, depression, and dementia.

Treatment is usually regular shots of vitamin B12 in the arm or another muscle. A person may get a shot every day for one week, then once a week for a month, and then once every month. Some people can get their B12 needs met through pills instead. Sometimes, B12 levels are brought back relatively quickly and no further treatment is required. Others need to continue to take shots or pills for the rest of their lives.

Most people can prevent this anemia by including animal products like milk, cheese, meat and eggs in their diet. Those who practice a vegan diet can prevent deficiency by taking a daily vitamin pill or fortified foods.

Many conditions can interfere with absorption for vitamin B12. Talk to the doctor about the reason that your mother may deficient of B12.

If you would like information about this topic or any other concern, you may call our 24-hour helpline @ 1-800-272-3900.

Sincerely,
Kathleen

Thanks so much for your responses. I will check a little farther with her dr since he really didn't explain it to me,