Researchers from Rutgers University have found that cognitive decline in seniors is far more rapid if they have low vitamin D levels as opposed to seniors with adequate levels of vitamin D.
Lead researcher Joshua Miller said, “There were some people in the study who had low vitamin D who didn’t decline at all and some people with adequate vitamin D who declined quickly,” said Miller. “But on average, people with low vitamin D declined two to three times as fast as those with adequate vitamin D.”
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Vitamin D is known for its role in bone health, its primary source is sun exposure and secondary sources are some foods. Previous research has found that vitamin D levels can have an impact on the brain and cognitive function.
The latest findings were conducted between 2002 and 2010. The study used 382 individuals who were assessed for their vitamin D levels and cognitive abilities annually over the course of five years. They ranged in age from 60 to 90 years old.
Among the group there were individuals with normal cognitive function as well as mild cognitive loss and dementia. Previous research on vitamin D and cognitive ability was primarily focused on one race – this study was racially and ethnically diverse. 61 percent of participants were deemed to have low vitamin D levels. Although individuals with darker skin were found to have lower vitamin D levels, researchers determined that faster cognitive decline occurred regardless of race and ethnicity.
The research may promote supplementing vitamin D in seniors, but there are consequences of too much vitamin D, including hardening of the arteries, increased calcium in the blood, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism and increased calcium in those with tuberculosis. Researchers caution seniors before they start taking vitamin D and recommend consulting a physician.
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Miller concluded, “This will give us the additional information that we need to help determine whether vitamin D supplements can be used to slow the rate of cognitive decline and prevent dementia in older adults.”
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association-Neurology.
More Info : Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-09
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
