Vitamin B12 And Parkinsons Disease

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About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, and a slowing of physical movement. In extreme cases there is a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms are caused by excessive muscle contraction. These contractions result from insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is created in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Progressively, symptoms may result in high-level cognitive dysfunction and delicate language problems. Parkinsons disease is both chronic and progressive.

Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is potentially serious and although it is common in the elderly, it can occur at any age. Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system function and red blood cell production. When a deficiency is left untreated it can lead to mental status changes. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and spinal cord disease. A deficiency of vitamin B12 is also related to higher risk for vascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. If vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated within six months of the onset of neurological symptoms, these symptoms can become permanent.