Breakthrough study reveals vitamin D supplements could help ward off dementia
- Replies 3
The saying goes 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure', and this could well be true when it comes to dementia.
Nobody wants to have their memories and their quality of life slowly taken away from them, so it's fantastic to hear that a huge new study has offered hope in the form of vitamin D – a supplement we can all easily find at local chemists, and many of us already take daily.
According to research published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, taking vitamin D supplements may lower the chance of developing dementia.
In a study carried out by researchers in the UK and Canada, more than 12,000 people aged 71 and over, who did not have dementia at the beginning of the trial, were involved. About 4,600 of the participants (37%) took vitamin D supplements, such as calcium-vitamin D, cholecalciferol, and ergocalciferol.
After 10 years, almost 2,670 participants developed dementia. Of these patients, only 679 (25%) had taken vitamin D supplements, while about 2,000 (75%) had not.
People who took the supplements were also likely to be women and those with normal cognition, compared with those who showed mild cognitive impairment.
The study can't prove vitamin D reduces the risk of dementia.
However, the researchers are careful to point out the limitations of their findings. Information was self-reported, not gathered through randomised trials – which is said to be the 'gold standard' in science research.
Additionally, participants who took supplements were more likely to be more educated, less depressed, female, and white – so other factors such as lifestyle choices, general health, and life circumstances may be at play in the results.
As Professor Tara Spires-Jones, who leads the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, points out, there may be other factors at play. For instance, people taking vitamin D supplements may have healthier lifestyles overall, contributing to a lower risk of dementia.
Despite these limitations and the fact that further research is needed, the results of the study are encouraging as far as the effects of vitamin D supplementation – as long as it's done in consultation with a doctor.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D and dementia, this new study offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against this devastating disease.
Whether or not you choose to take vitamin D supplements, it's never too early to start taking care of your brain health through healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, a balanced diet and staying mentally active.
By taking proactive steps to protect your brain, you can help safeguard your memories and your quality of life for years to come.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. Some of its benefits include:
Supports bone health: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Boosts the immune system: Vitamin D plays a vital role in immune function, helping the body fight off infections and diseases.
Improves brain function: Vitamin D is also important for brain health and may help improve cognitive function in older adults.
Reduces the risk of certain diseases: Adequate levels of vitamin D have been linked to a reduced risk of several diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
While the body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, many people, especially older adults, may not get enough of this nutrient from sun exposure alone. Here are some sources of vitamin D that can help:
Food sources
Some foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, including fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel), egg yolks, and beef liver. Some dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese, are often fortified with vitamin D.
Supplements
Vitamin D supplements are widely available over-the-counter and can be an effective way to ensure you're getting enough of this nutrient. It's important to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications or health conditions.
Sun exposure
Spending time outdoors in the sun can help your body produce vitamin D naturally. However, it's important to be cautious about sun exposure, as overexposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. Older adults with a history of skin cancer or other risk factors should speak with their doctor about safe sun exposure.
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your brain health is to maintain regular contact with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you identify any risk factors for dementia and work with you to develop a personalised plan for prevention and early detection.
In addition to staying on top of your health, there are plenty of lifestyle choices you can make to support your brain function and reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and staying mentally engaged through activities like reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill are all great ways to keep your brain sharp.
Members, we hope this article has given you a better understanding of the latest research on vitamin D and dementia, as well as some practical tips for supporting your brain health. Are you taking vitamin D supplements? We'd love to hear from you! Please share your experiences and any tips you have for others in the comments below.
Nobody wants to have their memories and their quality of life slowly taken away from them, so it's fantastic to hear that a huge new study has offered hope in the form of vitamin D – a supplement we can all easily find at local chemists, and many of us already take daily.
According to research published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, taking vitamin D supplements may lower the chance of developing dementia.
In a study carried out by researchers in the UK and Canada, more than 12,000 people aged 71 and over, who did not have dementia at the beginning of the trial, were involved. About 4,600 of the participants (37%) took vitamin D supplements, such as calcium-vitamin D, cholecalciferol, and ergocalciferol.
A new study suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may lower the chance of developing dementia. Credit: Unsplash/Michele Blackwell.
After 10 years, almost 2,670 participants developed dementia. Of these patients, only 679 (25%) had taken vitamin D supplements, while about 2,000 (75%) had not.
People who took the supplements were also likely to be women and those with normal cognition, compared with those who showed mild cognitive impairment.
The study can't prove vitamin D reduces the risk of dementia.
However, the researchers are careful to point out the limitations of their findings. Information was self-reported, not gathered through randomised trials – which is said to be the 'gold standard' in science research.
Additionally, participants who took supplements were more likely to be more educated, less depressed, female, and white – so other factors such as lifestyle choices, general health, and life circumstances may be at play in the results.
As Professor Tara Spires-Jones, who leads the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, points out, there may be other factors at play. For instance, people taking vitamin D supplements may have healthier lifestyles overall, contributing to a lower risk of dementia.
Despite these limitations and the fact that further research is needed, the results of the study are encouraging as far as the effects of vitamin D supplementation – as long as it's done in consultation with a doctor.
While the recent study on vitamin D and dementia is certainly promising, it's not conclusive proof of a direct causal link between the two. Credit: Unsplash/Steven HWG.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D and dementia, this new study offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against this devastating disease.
Whether or not you choose to take vitamin D supplements, it's never too early to start taking care of your brain health through healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, a balanced diet and staying mentally active.
By taking proactive steps to protect your brain, you can help safeguard your memories and your quality of life for years to come.
Supports bone health: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Boosts the immune system: Vitamin D plays a vital role in immune function, helping the body fight off infections and diseases.
Improves brain function: Vitamin D is also important for brain health and may help improve cognitive function in older adults.
Reduces the risk of certain diseases: Adequate levels of vitamin D have been linked to a reduced risk of several diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Vitamin D is often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin' because the sun is one of the best sources of this nutrient. Credit: Unsplash/Ainsley Myles.
While the body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, many people, especially older adults, may not get enough of this nutrient from sun exposure alone. Here are some sources of vitamin D that can help:
Food sources
Some foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, including fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel), egg yolks, and beef liver. Some dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese, are often fortified with vitamin D.
Supplements
Vitamin D supplements are widely available over-the-counter and can be an effective way to ensure you're getting enough of this nutrient. It's important to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications or health conditions.
Sun exposure
Spending time outdoors in the sun can help your body produce vitamin D naturally. However, it's important to be cautious about sun exposure, as overexposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. Older adults with a history of skin cancer or other risk factors should speak with their doctor about safe sun exposure.
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your brain health is to maintain regular contact with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you identify any risk factors for dementia and work with you to develop a personalised plan for prevention and early detection.
In addition to staying on top of your health, there are plenty of lifestyle choices you can make to support your brain function and reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and staying mentally engaged through activities like reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill are all great ways to keep your brain sharp.
Members, we hope this article has given you a better understanding of the latest research on vitamin D and dementia, as well as some practical tips for supporting your brain health. Are you taking vitamin D supplements? We'd love to hear from you! Please share your experiences and any tips you have for others in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
