Functional implications of vitamin B(12) deficiency.
Vitamin B(12) deficiency is a common but underrecognized problem in older adults. Historically, B(12) deficiency was diagnosed once a severe pernicious anemia developed. Scientific developments have led to a new understanding of a broader spectrum of B(12) deficiency and identification of a milder form of deficiency associated with food/vitamin B(12) malabsorption. Using an individual example, this article describes the functional impact of vitamin B(12) deficiency and highlights modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Cadogan
Mary P
MP
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA, USA. mcadogan@sonnet.ucla.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014805:Vitamin B 12; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D014805:Vitamin B 12