Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for normal red blood cell production, tissue and cell repair, and DNA synthesis. B12 stores last for 3-5 years, while folate lasts for about four months. B12 or folate deficiency indicates a chronic shortage of one or both vitamins. Geriatric patients are more susceptible to Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency due to inadequate oral intake, malabsorption caused by pernicious anaemia, achlorhydria, and poor bioavailability. The clinical diagnosis is difficult in the elderly because of subtle, nonspecific, and highly variable clinical manifestations. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are associated with neuro-cognitive, psychotic, and mood symptoms. Because safe treatments are available, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible structural brain damage. Methods: A clinical audit was conducted among patients admitted to an elderly care ward who required Vitamin B12 and folate level investigation. A serum vitamin B12 level of less than 200ng/l (148pmol/l) is considered B12 deficiency, and a serum folate level of less than three microgram/l (7nmol/l) is considered folate deficiency. Results: Out of 102 patients, 64 (62.7%) were male. The mean age of the population was 85.2 years (minimum-69, Maximum-97). The prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency was 8.8%, while the prevalence of Folate deficiency was 31.3%. Four per cent of the population had both Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Conclusions: The prevalence of Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency is high among elderly patients. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent irreversible neuropsychiatric sequelae.