Vitamin D and Cognitive Impairment Linked
Study of Older People Finds Sunshine & Nutrition Help Brain Function
Jan 24, 2009
Sunshine is an important source of Vitamin D, which is called the “Sunshine Vitamin.” A new study shows that the Sunshine Vitamin plays an important role in cognitive function in older people.
Study on Vitamin D and Cognitive Impairment
This large scale study, from the University of Cambridge, Peninsula Medical School, and the University of Michigan has identified a link between Vitamin D and cognitive impairment for the first time. Findings are important because people who have cognitive impairment are more likely to develop dementia. The study paper will appear in an issue of the Journal of Geriatric Psychology and Neurology.
A study in England has recently demonstrated that older adults should make sure to get adequate Vitamin D, because the vitamin is linked to cognitive health.
The study was based on data on nearly 2000 adults, aged 65 and over. The study participants had been in the Health Survey for England in 2000. The study revealed that as Vitamin D levels went down, levels of cognitive impairment went up. When compared to those with optimum levels of Vitamin D, the people with the lowest levels were found to be more than twice as likely to be cognitively impaired.
Vitamin D the Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D is important in maintaining bone health, for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and in strengthening the immune system. Sources of Vitamin D include sunlight foods such as oily fish and foods that are fortified with the vitamin.
Older people lose their ability to absorb Vitamin D from sunlight as they age, so they need to rely more on obtaining the sunshine vitamin from dietary sources. It is important in maintaining bone health, in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in helping our immune system.
In humans, Vitamin D comes from three main sources – exposure to sunlight, foods such as oily fish, and foods that are fortified with vitamin D (such as milk, cereals, and soya drinks).
One problem faced by older people is that the capacity of the skin to absorb Vitamin D from sunlight decreases as the body ages, so they are more reliant on obtaining Vitamin D from other sources.
Researcher Statement
Dr. Iain Lang from the Peninsula Medical School, who worked on the study, commented: "This is the first large-scale study to identify a relationship between Vitamin D and cognitive impairment in later life. Dementia is a growing problem for health services everywhere, and people who have cognitive impairment are at higher risk of going on to develop dementia. That means identifying ways in which we can reduce levels of dementia is a key challenge for health services."
Dr. Lang went on to say, in a press release, that people who live in countries where the winters are dark may not be able to get enough Vitamin D through sunlight. This is especially true for older people who are less able to absorb Vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D supplements are one way to provide this important vitamin that improves bone health and offers other health benefits.
He added that further investigation is needed to find whether Vitamin D supplementation is a cost effective, low risk way to reduce risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia.
Resources:
"Sunshine vitamin' link to cognitive problems in older people" from The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry EurekAlert.
Overview of SAD Winter Depression
Vitamin D Deficiency and Weight Gain Linked
Apple Juice May Delay Alzheimer's Disease
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