Two key warning signs in your legs for condition which causes brain issues

The little-known condition can lead to severe cognitive decline and blood diseases if not treated early - but there are some key symptoms that can help you detect it

Health experts have shared the key warning signs of a little-known condition which can lead to brain problems if left untreated.

Pernicious anaemia is a type of deficiency which causes your immune system to attack cells in your stomach which help absorb vitamin B12.

It can occur due to a weakened stomach lining (atrophic gastritis) or an acquired autoimmune condition, and people with an underactive thyroid, type 1 diabetes, or coeliac disease are particularly at risk.

The vitamin B12 deficiency is more likely to affect people over the age of 60, and is more common in people of Scandinavian or Northern European descent.

If not treated, pernicious anaemia can cause "severe neurological problems and blood diseases", according to Harvard Medical School. One early sign of a lack of vitamin B12 is numbness or tingling in the legs. Difficulties walking, such as staggering or struggling to balance, is another sign of the condition. Other common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, cognitive difficulties, memory loss, and an inflamed tongue.

While the exact cause of pernicious anaemia is unknown, there is believed to be a genetic link as the condition seems to run in families. Choices of diet can also lead to other forms Vitamin B12 deficiency. According to the NHS, a diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12 for your daily needs - but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.

People who eat a vegan diet and do not take vitamin B12 supplements or eat foods fortified with the vitamin are particularly at risk. Apples, bananas, and blueberries are a healthy plant-based source of B12, as well as beetroot, mushrooms, and potatoes. Root vegetables tend to be high in the vitamin.

If you're struggling with memory loss or finding you forget words, try upping your B12 intake through supplements or the right foods. This is especially important if your family has a history of dementia related symptoms, as you may be more genetically predisposed to cognitive deterioration. Many symptoms of the deficiency improve with treatment, though some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated. The chance of permanent damage increases the longer the condition goes untreated.

According to the NHS website, you should make an appointment with a GP if you're experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test.

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