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Alzheimer's Q&A: Is a vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
Is a vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
A deficiency in vitamin D may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Vitamin D is not a single essential nutrient, but a group of secosteroids (type of steroid), which is primarily responsible for helping the intestines absorb calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. Vitamin D is necessary for good health in aging adults and a deficiency has long been associated with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer.
Additionally, vitamin D possibly has aspects which aid in the prevention of diabetes, multiple sclerosis and hypertension.
It is estimated that 40 to 75 percent of adults are vitamin D deficient, possibly because this vitamin is only naturally present in a few foods. While sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D, doctors warn of skin cancer so the recommendation for getting vitamin D is through certain foods and supplements, such as swordfish, salmon, tuna, cod liver oil, sardines, beef liver and orange juice, milk or yogurt that are fortified with vitamin D.
A vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia through both neurodegenerative and vascular mechanisms. For individuals interested in reducing the risk of the debilitating brain disorder, it is a good idea to undergo a blood test to determine vitamin D levels and talk with your physician to make any needed corrections.
David Llewellyn, of the University of Exeter Medical School in England, was the lead author in studies conducted on older adults for over six years. Those that were severely deficient in vitamin D were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than those with adequate levels.
The participants who were only mildly vitamin D deficient had an increased risk of 53 percent, and those who were severely deficient had a 125 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Though the study showed a strong link between the vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer’s and dementia, researchers are not ready to state that the deficiency causes the disease. Further research is needed to establish whether adequate levels of vitamin D can prevent, treat or delay Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
The recommended dosage of vitamin D for adults under the age of 69 is 600 IU (15mcg) per day. Adults over the age of 70 should increase consumption to 800 IU (20 mcg) per day.
As with any supplements or medication, consult your physician before starting a vitamin D regimen.
Questions about Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder? Contact Dana Territo, the Memory Whisperer, Director of Services at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, (225) 334-7494, [email protected], or visit the organization at 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge.
http://theadvocate.com/features/people/15601479-93/story.html
A deficiency in vitamin D may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Vitamin D is not a single essential nutrient, but a group of secosteroids (type of steroid), which is primarily responsible for helping the intestines absorb calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. Vitamin D is necessary for good health in aging adults and a deficiency has long been associated with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer.
Additionally, vitamin D possibly has aspects which aid in the prevention of diabetes, multiple sclerosis and hypertension.
It is estimated that 40 to 75 percent of adults are vitamin D deficient, possibly because this vitamin is only naturally present in a few foods. While sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D, doctors warn of skin cancer so the recommendation for getting vitamin D is through certain foods and supplements, such as swordfish, salmon, tuna, cod liver oil, sardines, beef liver and orange juice, milk or yogurt that are fortified with vitamin D.
A vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia through both neurodegenerative and vascular mechanisms. For individuals interested in reducing the risk of the debilitating brain disorder, it is a good idea to undergo a blood test to determine vitamin D levels and talk with your physician to make any needed corrections.
David Llewellyn, of the University of Exeter Medical School in England, was the lead author in studies conducted on older adults for over six years. Those that were severely deficient in vitamin D were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than those with adequate levels.
The participants who were only mildly vitamin D deficient had an increased risk of 53 percent, and those who were severely deficient had a 125 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Though the study showed a strong link between the vitamin D deficiency and Alzheimer’s and dementia, researchers are not ready to state that the deficiency causes the disease. Further research is needed to establish whether adequate levels of vitamin D can prevent, treat or delay Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
The recommended dosage of vitamin D for adults under the age of 69 is 600 IU (15mcg) per day. Adults over the age of 70 should increase consumption to 800 IU (20 mcg) per day.
As with any supplements or medication, consult your physician before starting a vitamin D regimen.
Questions about Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder? Contact Dana Territo, the Memory Whisperer, Director of Services at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, (225) 334-7494, [email protected], or visit the organization at 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge.
http://theadvocate.com/features/people/15601479-93/story.html
