Low vitamin D involved in dementia

Inadequate vitamin D levels may be involved in cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Two papers show in separate populations that low levels of vitamin D are associated with cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. The papers will appear in the January issue of Neurology.

"What should we make of these studies?" Joshua Miller, PhD, from the University of California in Sacramento, asked in an accompanying editorial. "First, it is evident that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is very high among older adults."

The authors conclude that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk for dementia and cerebrovascular disease and that vitamin D may have vasculoprotective properties. Neurologists, general practitioners, and geriatricians should be aware of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in their patient populations and the possibility that supplementation could be beneficial.

Bonnie - if you are an older individual, or, if you have friends, family, or coworkers who are, you must implore them to get their vitamin D3 levels tested.