A study in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry of over 3,000 European men aged 40-79 found those with high vitamin D levels performed better on memory and information processing tests. Researchers believe vitamin D may protect cells or key signaling pathways in the brain. Men with high vitamin D levels performed best, with those who had the lowest levels - registering poor scores.
In another article in the current issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (May 2009), researchers suggest that further investigation of possible direct or indirect linkages between Vitamin D and these dementia is needed.
Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental caries, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease, all of which are either considered risk factors for dementia or have preceded incidence of dementia.
Writing in the article, the researchers state, "There are established criteria for causality in a biological system. The important criteria include strength of association, consistency of findings, determination of the dose-response relation, an understanding of the mechanisms, and experimental verification. To date, the evidence includes observational studies supporting a beneficial role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of diseases linked to dementia such as vascular and metabolic diseases, as well as an understanding of the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of several mechanisms that lead to dementia."
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