Memory lapses and tingling fingers? Doctors may check your levels of this vitamin

Forgetting a name halfway through a conversation, missing an appointment or noticing an odd tingling sensation in your fingers can be unsettling. After 65, it is easy to dismiss these changes as part of getting older. Others may worry that forgetfulness is an early sign of dementia.

But these symptoms can have several causes, and some are treatable. If they keep appearing, it is worth speaking to your GP rather than assuming they are simply a normal part of ageing.

The vitamin that helps keep your brain and nerves working

One thing a doctor may consider is a deficiency in vitamin B12. According to the NHS, B12 or folate deficiency anemia affects around one in ten people aged 75 and over. The figure is around one in twenty among people aged 65 to 74.

B12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system and supports red blood cell production. A deficiency can cause memory difficulties, pins and needles, balance problems and unusual tiredness. These symptoms can occur even without anaemia, according to the NHS.

Why older adults may not absorb enough B12

Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. However, eating enough of these foods does not always guarantee that the body absorbs the vitamin properly.

Pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition that interferes with B12 absorption, is a major cause of deficiency in the UK. Digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease can also affect absorption.

People following a vegan diet who do not take supplements or eat fortified foods are at risk, too. The NHS explains the dietary sources of B12 and who may need supplements.

Could your medication play a part?

Some medicines can make it harder for the body to absorb enough B12. These include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid and treat acid reflux.

Metformin, a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes, can also lower B12 levels, particularly with long-term use. The NHS lists both medicines among possible causes of B12 deficiency.

Taking these medicines does not mean you necessarily have a deficiency. If you have symptoms or concerns, ask your GP whether testing is appropriate. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.

How do you know if your B12 is low?

A blood test can help your GP assess whether you have a deficiency. The NICE guidelines on diagnosing B12 deficiency recommend considering symptoms, risk factors and test results together. A deficiency can sometimes be present without anaemia.

If your levels are low, treatment may involve B12 tablets or injections, depending on the cause and how well your body absorbs the vitamin. Early treatment matters because prolonged deficiency can cause lasting nerve damage.

Will taking B12 improve your memory?

Not necessarily. Treating a confirmed deficiency can help address symptoms caused by it, but taking extra B12 is not a proven way to improve memory in everyone.

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis examined nine randomised trials and found no significant overall improvement in memory or depressive symptoms from B12 supplementation in the populations studied.

The important point is not to assume that forgetfulness means dementia, or that B12 is always the answer. If memory changes persist or start affecting everyday life, speak to your GP to help identify the cause.