Effects of Vitamin B 12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Survivors of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Abstract

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke often leads to significant cognitive deficits in survivors. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in neurological functions, suggesting its potential in cognitive recovery post-stroke. This retrospective cohort study explored the impact of Vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive function in hemorrhagic stroke survivors, a subject that holds substantial importance in stroke rehabilitation and patient care. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplementation in improving cognitive function, as measured by MMSE and MoCA scores, in adults who have recently survived a hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: The study included 75 adults diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke within the last six months. Participants were administered a daily oral dose of 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12 for three months. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at the start and end of the supplementation period. Additionally, Vitamin B12 levels were measured at baseline and after three months to gauge the physiological uptake of the supplement. Results: The study observed significant improvements in cognitive function, with the MMSE score increasing by an average of 2.2 (p=0.0463) and the MoCA score by 5.8 (p=0.0410). There was also a notable average increase of 400 pg/mL in Vitamin B12 levels (p<0.05). The supplementation was generally well-tolerated, with only 8% of participants reporting minor adverse effects, a rate not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence that Vitamin B12 supplementation may positively impact cognitive function in survivors of hemorrhagic stroke. However, due to the study's limitations, further extensive research is necessary to corroborate these findings and to deepen our understanding of the role of Vitamin B12 in post-stroke cognitive recovery.