Many older people in Roanoke, VA mistakenly think that brain fog is caused by getting older, but it can also be caused by things that can be fixed, like not getting enough of certain nutrients, such as B-complex vitamins and magnesium. A physician should direct testing and dosage for vitamins for brain function because misuse can result in harm or conceal issues.
Forgetfulness and brain fog are often perceived as a typical part of aging, so much so that both seniors and physicians sometimes doubt the possibility of factors other than age causing lack of focus. Sadly, this kind of bias is a documented phenomenon.
According to Thomas R Skinner et al. in the International Journal of General Medicine, all kinds of treatable health issues are mistakenly attributed to old age. One ailment that can cause such symptoms is a vitamin deficiency.
Low levels of vitamins like D or B12 are linked to mental fog, fatigue, and all kinds of other symptoms, and seniors facing this kind of affliction can often significantly change their health by taking the right vitamin supplements or sometimes by simply changing their diet.
The Importance of Vitamins for Brain Function
Taking vitamins can be beneficial when your body has a genuine deficiency. But if you take them improperly or in excess, they can make your problems worse.
It can be bad for your health to take too much of some vitamins. For instance, vitamins like vitamin E can accumulate and lead to major health issues over time, especially when you didn’t actually have a deficiency.
The only people who can properly diagnose a vitamin deficiency are doctors and other qualified healthcare professionals. There’s no guarantee that you’ve found the cause just because the symptoms seem to fit.
And in fact, taking certain vitamins can actually hide health problems from view. For example, if you take high doses of some B vitamins, such as too much folate, it can hide the symptoms of low vitamin B12.
Even doctors might be fooled if they don’t realize what supplements you’ve been taking. This can delay treatment and make your health issues get even worse.
Aging Brain Tips: Vitamin B12
One of the most common vitamin deficiencies in seniors is B12 deficiency. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, correct B12 levels ensure reliable energy throughout the day.
Most of the B12 we get is absorbed through the stomach. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less stomach acid, which can cause various health changes.
When it comes to vitamin B12, it makes the body less capable of absorbing this crucial vitamin. Less B12 in the system often leads to fatigue, weakness, brain fog, and lack of focus.
Seniors who are careful to consume a healthy diet might think that they’re getting enough B12, but because of changes to stomach acid levels, their bodies still aren’t getting enough. Seniors who suspect B12 deficiency should try eating more of the following foods:
- Lean meats
- Fish
- Dairy
- Poultry
If you’re already getting enough of these types of food, you should visit your doctor, who can confirm this diagnosis and, in that case, recommend an appropriate B12 supplement.
Other Memory Vitamins
While vitamin B12 is one of the most important cognitive support nutrients for seniors, there are many other important vitamins for mental clarity in aging. Here are some of the other brain health supplements that can be beneficial for older adults:
- B-complex vitamins: Support neurotransmitters associated with focus, mental energy, and clear thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Help maintain brain cell structure and support communication between brain cells, which may help memory and processing speed.
- Magnesium: Supports steady brain energy and helps control nerve signals, which can affect mental calm and focus.
- Iron: Helps get oxygen to the brain; low levels can make you tired, making it hard to focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vitamins for Brain Function Cause Harmful Interactions With Medications?
The US Food and Drug Administration also warns that some vitamins can interact negatively with prescription drugs. For example, some vitamins can affect the effectiveness of blood thinners. If you’re taking a blood thinner like warfarin in combination with vitamin K supplements, the vitamin K helps the blood to clot and counteracts the desired effects of the blood thinner medication.
There are many interactions between supplements and prescription medications, and seniors who take large numbers of prescription medications every day should be extremely cautious before starting a supplement.
Always ask a health care professional to check for any drug interactions before starting a supplement.
Can Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Mental Illness?
Yes, seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is common among seniors, and in some cases, this mental health condition is caused by a vitamin D deficiency. SAD is a distinct type of depression that recurs throughout the colder, darker months.
The symptoms of SAD can include:
- Persistent low mood
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty focusing
- Feelings of stress or anxiety
During the winter, people tend to get out in the sun less, which can sometimes cause a vitamin D deficiency, making vitamin D one of the important vitamins for brain function in seniors.
Often, the problem can be alleviated just by getting outside in the fresh air and sunlight more. Sometimes, the problem also comes from a dietary deficiency, in which case eating the right foods can help. In more serious cases, seniors may sit in front of a strong UV lamp for a few minutes each day.
Always talk to a doctor before taking vitamin D supplements, because they can be harmful if you don’t need them.
Holistic Health at Community The Park Oak Grove
Here at The Park Oak Grove, we ensure all of our residents get the vital nutrients and vitamins for brain function they need for optimal mental and physical health. That’s just one part of our holistic approach to health and wellness. We also ensure great physical health through regular exercise programs and help seniors feel socially connected through a varied social calendar.
Given that vitamin deficiencies can often be solved by getting the right diet, we take pride in our Sensations Dining Program, which offers restaurant-style dining and home-cooked meals with attentive table service.
If you’re interested in seeing these things for yourself, contact us today, and we’ll set a date for a tour.
