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Vitamin B12 Supports Mood, Memory, Energy
from Advantage
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Many seniors become deficient in this important nutrient.
WRITTEN BY MELISSA BEAN STERZICK
Of the health concerns that increase with age, vitamin deficiencies can be some of the easiest to resolve. Vitamin B12 supports some of the body’s most important functions, including the health of the central nervous system, the creation of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA. Those functions might seem obscure, but they all point to several important aspects of good health: memory, energy and mood. Torrance Memorial Physician Network’s Mona Madani, MD, recommends seniors keep track of their B12 levels with the help of their primary care physician.
Advantage: How is vitamin B12 important for good health?
Dr. Madani: Vitamin B12 supports some of the body’s most important functions. It helps with creating red blood cells, which support the transport of oxygen. It also prevents anemia. It is beneficial for increasing energy levels, as well as helping prevent memory loss. Vitamin B12 supports bone health—as we age, we have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. And it’s good for mental health.
Why do seniors need to pay close attention to their vitamin B12 levels?
Complications can arise if you are deficient. Seniors should have normal B12 levels in order to help maintain cognition and prevent worsening mood and poor emotional health. It’s more common for seniors to have lower B12 levels. Changes in digestion that come with age decrease the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin. In addition, regular use of antacids and ulcer medications can inhibit B12 absorption.
What are the signs of a B12 deficiency?
Signs of a B12 deficiency include nerve pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, fatigue and a decrease in energy. Cognitive decline, irritability and mood changes can also occur. Sometimes people experience weaker muscles and gait issues, which may include difficulty walking and problems with balance.
How is a B12 deficiency diagnosed?
The best option is a blood test—a CBC or a B12 level check. Your primary care physician can order this easily at your annual exam. Once a year is enough if you are not experiencing symptoms of deficiency. If you are starting treatment for B12 deficiency, we may check it more often.
What foods have a lot of this nutrient?
B12 is in foods such as meat and dairy, turkey, tuna and chicken. Breakfast cereals often have it, as well as spinach, eggs and bananas. Not many fruits and vegetables have B12. Vegans and vegetarians have a higher risk of deficiency. A history of irritable bowel syndrome can affect absorption. People who have had gastric surgeries may also have lower levels of B12.
Torrance Memorial Physician Network’s Mona Madani, MD
Are supplements helpful?
Yes, typically B12 comes in oral tablets, liquid form and sublingual. Liquid and sublingual have higher efficacy. It’s very difficult to overdose because it’s a water-soluble vitamin. B12 shots (injection form) are very effective and may be administered once a month. For seniors, we also look at vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Dr. Madani is board-certified in family medicine with interests in preventive care, chronic disease management, women’s health and functional medicine. She enjoys working in a primary care clinic environment and is devoted to forming relationships with her patients, which is one of the reasons she chose family medicine. She strives to provide high-quality care to patients of all ages and promotes patient-centered care in her practice. •
Mona Madani, MD, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network Primary Care in El Segundo at 2110 E. El Segundo Blvd., Suite 200. She can be reached at 310-517-7030.
Best Online Game Apps for Seniors
Applications, or apps for short, are a great way for older people to interact with others and stay entertained. These apps are mostly free and readily available on smartphones and tablets. Advantage has compiled our top eight entertainment app recommendations for senior adults—the perfect complement to a summer afternoon!
Words With Friends is a popular word game like Scrabble. It allows you to play with—or against— friends and is a relaxed, fun game you can dip in and out of—a good way to stay sociable with your friends and family!
Elevate is a braintraining app designed to improve a range of cognitive skills, including memory, attention span and processing speed. The app provides a rotation of different sessions and games, personalized to everyone using it. Elevate is a great app for older people looking to keep their brains sharp!
Solitaire, the classic one-player card game, can be played on your phone or tablet if you don’t have a pack of cards at home! This free Klondike Solitaire app also has a range of daily challenges for something a little different.
WordBrain offers simple gameplay but increasingly challenging puzzles. Find the hidden words in grids of letters and swipe the letters in the correct order to complete the level.
Duolingo provides an opportunity for at-home learning on a free, fun, interactive app. Learn a new language, building up from basic vocabulary to using sentences confidently.
Houseparty is the hottest new video-calling app, helping you see and speak to your loved ones and also play interactive games!
Wordscapes sharpens your mind and prepares you for your daily life and challenges. This text-twist of a word game is tremendous brainchallenging fun. Enjoy modern word puzzles with word-searching, anagrams and crosswords! Immerse yourself into the beautiful scenery backgrounds to relax and ease your mind.
Wordle will get you thinking and challenge your mind and spelling skills. Take on daily brain teasers and train your mind with fun word games among several unique game modes. •
