Vitamin B-12: Can it improve memory?

Vitamin B-12 may improve memory problems in some people. Poor memory can be caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). If an individual has memory problems and decreased blood levels of vitamin B-12, supplementing with vitamin B-12 may improve these problems. No evidence suggests that vitamin B-12 enhances memory in people with normal memory.

Currently, there's no evidence that supplementing vitamin B-12 is of benefit in treating Alzheimer's disease. However, studies have shown that people with Alzheimer's disease often have reduced levels of vitamin B-12, and people with reduced levels of vitamin B-12 are at increased risk of Alzheimer's. Research is underway to evaluate the potential benefit of vitamin B-12 supplementation in people with Alzheimer's.