Vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment

Scientists from the University of Exeter studied 3,325 people over the age of 65. They found that those who were severely deficient in Vitamin D were nearly five times more likely to be cognitively impaired, compared to participants with healthy levels of Vitamin D.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This large study provides compelling evidence that the sunshine vitamin - Vitamin D - could be linked to cognitive impairment. The key question now is whether Vitamin D deficiency causes problems in brain function or if the lifestyle factors are the same for cognitive impairment and Vitamin D deficiency.

'Unfortunately we are not in a position to say that basking in the sun will reduce your chances of getting dementia. However we do know that eating healthily and exercising can reduce your risk. The general rule is what is good for your heart is also good for your head.'

 

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society