Dementia due to chronic hypovitaminosis by Kurt Jellinger
Vitamin deficiency states can lead to a number of important
neuro-psychiatric disorders. The most common disorders are
associated with deficiencies of the B group of vitamins,
particularly thiamine. Although they are seen particularly in
populations suffering from general malnutrition, there are
specific groups of people who are particularly susceptible to
specific deficiencies. For example, thiamine deficiency is
frequently seen in alcoholics. The possibility of multiple
vitamin deficiencies should also taken into consideration.
Symptoms and course People having dementia due to chronic
hypovitaminosis have problems with the eyes include disorders of
their control of direction, coordination and movement; problems
with gait and a loss of balance or equilibrium called ataxia;
and a global confusional state where the person is apathetic,
has little awareness of their immediate situation and
difficulties with space, attention and concentration. The
symptom