VARIOUS DEGREES OF DEMENTIA IN A SELECTED GROUP OF GASTRECTOMIZED PATIENTS WITH LOW SERUM B12

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Forty-two gastrectomized patients (mean age 56 yr) with a serum B12 level < 200 pg/ml were studied by psychological testing and EEG. A total of 50% exhibited mild to moderate or more severe intellectual impairment, judging by the history and psychological testing. EEG abnormalities were found, mainly in the form of reduced dominant activity, in 48%. The results of psychological testing were in accurate conformity with the findings of dementia due to other reasons. The characteristic findings were depression and lability of affect, with a high frequency of suicidal attempts (20%). The cerebral abnormalities were interpreted as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency.