Vitamin B12 Deciciency in Elders

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency in the older adult occurs frequently and has the potential for serious neurological and hematological complications. Due to a myriad of discreet clinical manifestations this disorder is oftentimes unrecognized by providers. The purposes of this article are to increase awareness of Cobalamin deficiency, its causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic work up, and management. As primary providers Nurse Practitioners should have a high degree of suspicion for at-risk populations. With early identification and treatment, Cobalamin anemia has an excellent prognosis with a normal lifespan