Numerous nutritional factors can cause dementia. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, dementia is not a specific disease. Dementia does, however, refer to a group of symptoms that may be caused by several disorders that affect your brain. If you have dementia, you may experience impaired intellectual functioning, an inability to solve problems and maintain emotional control, personality changes and behavioral problems. In some cases, nutritional problems, such as vitamin deficiencies, can cause dementia.
Vitamin B1 Deficiency
Vitamin B1 deficiency, also known as beriberi, can cause dementia. According to the MedlinePlus website, vitamin B1 deficiency manifests when your body lacks a sufficient amount of vitamin B1, or thiamine. Vitamin B1 deficiency is uncommon in the U.S. because most foods purchased in a conventional grocery store are enriched with vitamin B1. If you consume a normal, healthy diet, your likelihood of developing a vitamin B1 deficiency is low. Beriberi is most common in people who abuse alcohol. Alcohol abuse is associated with poor nutrition, and excess alcohol makes it difficult for your body to process and store vitamin B1. Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B1 deficiency include dementia, mental confusion, difficulty walking, loss of sensation in your hands and feet, speech difficulty, decreased muscle function, lower leg paralysis, pain and vomiting.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Vitamin B6 deficiency is a nutritional cause of dementia. The Merck Manuals website states that vitamin B6 includes a group of similar compounds: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. These compounds are metabolized in your body to pyridoxal phosphate -- a coenzyme that is involved in many important reactions in your blood, central nervous system and skin. Vitamin B6 is also important in lipid, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Nutrition-related deficiencies of vitamin B6, although rare, may occur in some individuals because extensive processing can deplete foods of this important vitamin. Possible signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B6 deficiency include peripheral neuropathy, anemia or decreased healthy red blood cells, seizures, dementia and mental retardation. According to the Merck Manuals website, vitamin B6 deficiency should be considered in any infant who has seizures.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a nutrition-related cause of dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vitamin B12 deficiency is required to make new red blood cells and assist the functioning of your nervous system. Vitamin B12 is found in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, although it is not found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and cereal grains. The CDC states that vitamin B12 deficiency develops gradually, and that symptoms manifest so slowly that they might be missed. Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include dementia, tingling in your hands and feet, decreased ability to walk, vision problems, memory problems, hallucinations and changes in your personality. A child with vitamin B12 deficiency may fail to grow, have weak muscle tone and experience general weakness.
