Alzheimer's Society Comment On Research Into Impact Of Vitamin D On Brain Performance

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 26 May 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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A study of 3,133 men from a variety of test centres across Europe has shown that lower 25 (OH) D levels (vitamin D levels) were associated with poorer brain performance (in middle aged and older men). The study looked at a number of cognitive function tests with only one being linked to vitamin D statistically. The study did not look at cognitive function in women.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'One in three people over 65 will die with dementia making research into this area vital. This study, including over 3,000 men from a number of European locations, shows that maintaining vitamin D levels could play a role in reducing the decline of brain function.

However, further research is needed to determine whether or not vitamin D can help preserve brain function in older people or reduce risk of dementia. As vitamin D is readily available to most people, through exposure to sunshine or eating oily fish, it will be interesting to see the results of future studies.

In the meantime, current evidence tells us that a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, is the best way of reducing your risk of dementia.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Full reference:

Lee DM, Tajar A, Ulubaev A et al. Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. May 2009

Source
Alzheimer's Society

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