senescencia_01Research appearing in the Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging (2012; 16(13): 277-80), looked at serum B12 levels in 130 nursing home residents. Researchers found that 14% of the subjects were deficient in B12 and 36% were borderline B12 deficient. B12 deficiency was less prevalent in those taking a daily multiple vitamin. Those taking anti-psychotic medication tended to have lower B12 levels than those who did not. Early symptoms of B12 deficiency can include forgetfulness, poor cognition, depression and fatigue. When severe enough, B12 deficiency can mimic Alzheimer’s disease.