The Vitamin Deficiency that Mimics Dementia - Dr. Berg

Feeling forgetful? This common vitamin deficiency can produce dementia-like symptoms—find out why!

DATA:

Low HCL in the stomach:

Acid Reflux:

0:00 Introduction
0:47 The top vitamin deficiency that mimics dementia
2:44 Medication side effects may mimic dementia
3:58 Other deficiencies that produce dementia symptoms
6:41 What to do for dementia symptoms
7:54 Learn more about vitamin B12

In this video, we’re going to talk about the top vitamin deficiency that mimics dementia.

Vitamin B12 is essential for normal brain function—without it, you can experience symptoms of dementia.

This vitamin is found most abundantly in animal products, though certain microbes can also produce it. Low animal product consumption is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Another cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is low hydrochloric acid (HCL) in your stomach. Your digestive system requires HCL to break down and absorb many vitamins and minerals.

As you age, your HCL level decreases. It can also decrease if you take antacids or Metformin. Interestingly, acid reflux can be a sign of low HCL, and taking antacids can make matters worse.

Betaine hydrochloride is the best way to promote normal stomach acidity.

You may experience dementia-like symptoms due to the side effects of certain medications and substances, including:
• Antacids
• Bladder medications
• Sleep aids
• SSRIs
• Cholesterol medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Steroids
• Alcohol

A deficiency in these nutrients can also produce dementia-like symptoms:
• Vitamin B1 (often caused by high sugar and carb consumption)
• Zinc (often a result of phytic acid in grains)
• Vitamin D (caused by low sun exposure)

Nutrient deficiencies may shrink your hippocampus, which leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Increasing your ketones will help nourish a brain starved of fuel and nutrients.

If you’re experiencing dementia symptoms, try these things:
1. Start Healthy Keto and intermittent fasting
2. Consume more fatty fish and seafood
3. Consume more red meat
4. Take betaine hydrochloride

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

#keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketolifestyle

Thanks for watching. I hope this helped explain why vitamin deficiencies can mimic dementia. I’ll see you in the next video.

[daveyarwine]

My mother was 90. One day she couldn't recognize people. Everyone thought it was Dementia. An alert intern asked if he could give her b-12 shots. She was back to normal in 24 hrs. Miraculous!!

[lanceking]

Great stuff. I've been implementing many things with my 77 year old father. He is very forgetful but probably from his stroke that he had a couple years ago. I've slimmed him up (lost 35 lbs) and he eats a nearly clean keto diet now. He even told me last night on our 2 a day walks (walk between 5-10 km per day now up from barely moving from the sofa) that we do together that he doesn't feel pain anymore in his joints. He doesn't take any medicines. I just watch his diet and give him occasional supplements when I see we don't have the perfect foods available especially when traveling. Seriously good news for him.

[kobalt]

Many years ago I went vegetarian, after a couple of years I started feeling very tired all the time, I slept long naps in the afternoon, and generally felt lethargic all the time. I went to my local health store and told the lady my symptoms. Straight away she said you are B12 deficient. I bought some, got on it straight away, and within 5 days or so. I felt fighting fit again. I am sure there will be a lot of vegetarians now who do not know about this. Thank you so much Dr Berg, another very helpful video.

[waystomove]

Thank you so much. I'm furious this kind of information is not in the mainstream. People generally assume dementia or dementia-like conditions are a one way street into horrible decline.

[lisalisa]

Yes! I have experienced this firsthand! I was low in B12 and Vit D. I learn so much from you.

[yveclark]

My Dad has dementia, but he is so much better now he gets vitamin B12. He doesnt hear the TV talking to him any more. It's amazing the difference it makes

[LeanneCaster-npxi]

Thank you Dr. Berg! I am furious that this was never talked about from my Dads VA doctor or any doctor. For decades he has been on medications for high blood pressure, antacids, cholesterol and calcium tablets twice a day for his arthritis. He ended up with a bone blood infection in the T6/T7 area the literally crumbled the two vertebrae. He had two back surgeries at age 88. I took him for a vascular study since they said he had a vascular stroke. He had 50 percent blockage in the back of his neck. Your video on why not to take calcium supplements made me wonder if that’s what caused the stroke and his antacids causing dementia. Because of your message we have stopped the calcium tablets and giving him tumeric and ginger tea, coconut nut oil and collagen. Now we are adding a B complex to his daily regimen. He is 93 now and lives in Klukwan Alaska. I know he is old but he is a trooper. They said he would probably not walk after two surgeries and he proved them wrong so you never know till you give them hell!

[peu_po]

When I was 24 I started having tingling sensations in my fingers and hands, and in my face. Then I started to get terrible migraines with debilitating nausea that would leave me bed bound for days in a dark room. It was getting worse and worse for a year I felt awful and was unable to function normally. One day I woke up and was unable to speak. I couldn't form the words I was thinking. In a panic my mom rushed me to the ER thinking I was having a stroke. After multiple expensive tests and specialists it turned out to be a B-12 deficiency. No one even suggested it because of my age. I happened to Google my symptoms and made the suggestion to my Doctor. Crazy how something so simple can be so easily overlooked! I have been getting b-12 intramuscular injections for 12 years now and the symptoms never returned. :)

[pamshearer]

Good Morning, Dr.Berg 🎑
My Mother had Dementia and Alzheimer's - She passed 10 years ago, was 85 ! Thank you so much for this great and inspiring information with everyone, God bless and Protect all of you !
🙏❤ 7 / 5 / 2022 ❤🙏

[christapoole]

I did not know Metformin would cause B12 and B1 shortages! I was prescribed Metformin for PCOS at 2000mg/day. I was feeling worse taking it than not taking it, so I stopped. I don't take any other meds. Thank you for this video, I learned a lot from it!!!

[gutmicrobiomequeen]

CAUTION ⚠️ Most people with GERD and/or gastritis cannot handle taking 5 Betaine HCl caps right off the get-go. Rather, you'll want to start with one capsule/meal and then gradually increase to tolerance. This is called the "betaine hcl challenge."

Thanks for another great, thorough video, doc!

[petenielsen]

My mother had a heart attack when she was about the age I am now. She has been on B-12 supplements as recommended by her cardiologist since then. Now that she is turning 85 in August she is approaching the age where my grandma started having dementia symptoms. Maybe the B-12 has something to do with her still being as sharp as they come.

[albertgnat]

I'm 63.following Dr.berg @ 2 years. My memory has improved sooo much
.it's a gift to remember more. Thank you

[christar]

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder causes memory loss and shrinkage of the hippocampus too. The constant production of cortisol is the reason for that I believe. I know from experience that I had profound memory loss due to that and I’m trying to deal with it at 63. I felt like I was getting early onset dementia. I still don’t remember much about my life. I hope at least some of that can be reversed through diet, supplements and a better lifestyle.

[sheliaward]

Hi Dr. Berg I am 63 my Mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at 67 she was taking High Blood pressure medication 💊 for many year. I wish we would have known about this sooner. You have help a lot of people. I try to watch all of your videos they have changed my life. Keep up the fabulous work. Love you Dr. Berg🥰

[nickoutram]

I think you really nailed it around 3:14 with this video talking about side effects of medication especially in the West. Its a cumulative cascade of pill side effects...

[aliceleyva]

Thank you. I see my problem now. I increased Vit D to protect me from Covid 19, and my labs reflected an incredible percentage after I increased, not realizing that I had ordered 5000IUs instead of 500s.. My PCP ordered me to stop taking Ds, and that caused me to question my entire supplement regimen, and gradually I stopped them all. Went into what I thought was dementia, and was seen by psychologists? Brain doctor, who gave me an intelligence test, which was very confusing. Memory was sadly affected. Now, without my PCP's permission, I am going back on my supplements, including all the necessary ones you have talked about. Since I am a vet and depend on the VA for medical care; I still have the same PCP. Well, will seek out your videos that address my problems and see what happens. Thank you so much!

[DrinkYourNailPolish]

My dad was acting goofy for a while and then mom and him started taking a daily vitamin and he's been a lot better.

[jameshyde]

You INDEED! are a Godsend in my case. I follow your advice, cautiously, yet sincerely and I am 100 percent better even at 60 years of age. I feel like I did when I was 20!!

[shednotes]

Interesting. My mother's general practitioner stated, and I quote, "Your mother needs to cease taking B12". Not because it was harming her, they wanted to push their product to get in her system. I know docs are giving advice they were taught to really? If I listened to this person, my mother would be a different individual brain wise.
Thanks Dr. Berg!
Btw, you look even more distinguished with the facial hair. Cool addition Doc.