Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in psychogeriatric patients in private practice in Cape Town
Date
2023-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Background: The elderly population in South Africa is growing and it is estimated that 5.4 million (9.1%) of the population is aged 60 years or older (nearly 1 in 10 elderly). Quality of life and physical wellbeing are important to maintain optimal function and independence in the later years of life. Malnutrition is one risk factor that increases morbidity and mortality in the elderly, where suboptimal vitamin B12 levels, one form of malnutrition, has been shown to impair cognition and immune status. Prevalence studies on vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly in South Africa are limited. This study will provide information on the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and if this deficiency is associated with selected demographic, medical and cognitive variables.
Objective: To determine the prevalence (95% CI) of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients, 60 years and older and to investigate if vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with any sociodemographic, medical or cognitive factors in this population group.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all first-time patients (≥60 years old) attending their first consult at a Psychogeriatric Private Practice in Durbanville, Cape Town between January 2017 and January 2020. Patients who had their vitamin B12 levels assessed at intake were included in the study, where participants with B12 levels of <148 pmol/L were categorised as having a deficiency, 148-221 pmol/L as having low levels, and >221 pmol/L as having adequate levels. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).
Description
Psychiatry