The Effect of Vitamin B12, Physical and Cognitive Activity on Idiopathic Forgetfulness

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of physical activity, vitamin B supplementation and mental activity on cognitive functions in middle-aged individuals with subjective forgetfulness. Methods: We included 82 people between 40-65 years of age who were admitted to Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Family Medicine and Neurology Departments polyclinics with the complaint of subjective forgetfulness between May 2017 and May 2018. General physical examination, blood tests including B12, folic acid level and thyroid functions were performed. In addition to the socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test, Visual and Verbal Memory Tests were performed. Sixty-eight subjects were randomly allocated to 3 groups as cognitive activity, physical activity and vitamin B supplementation. The physical activity group made a minimum of half-hour brisk walk daily. The cognitive activity group was asked to solve a hooked puzzle every day. Vitamin supplement group used daily vitamin B complex. At the end of the third month, cognitive tests and B12 blood level test were repeated. Results: Improvement in cognitive functions was found only in the walking group. Long-term visual memory and verbal memory sub-test scores improved significantly in all groups. There were some differences between the groups in terms of verbal memory subtest scores. Conclusion: In people with forgetfulness, walking, puzzle and vitamin B supplementation seem to have positive effects even after a period of three months in terms of cognitive functions and memory. Keywords: dementia, cognitive activity, exercise, physical, B vitamins