Vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment

Vitamin D deficiency could increase the risk of cognitive impairment according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease. 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.

 
The research was presented alongside a second smaller study of more than 850 people in Italy. The second independent study by the same researchers also reported that Vitamin D deficiency was linked to a lower level of education and depression.

 
Alzheimer's Society comment: 

'These large studies provide 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

 
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Study Reference: 'Vitamin D and Cognitive Impairment in NHANES III' by David Llewellyn et al'

Notes to editors:

• For spokespeople and case studies contact the Alzheimer's Society press office on 0207 423 3595.
• ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Run by Alzheimer's Association, it will this year be taking place in Hawaii from Sunday 11 July to Thursday 15 July.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk