Recent research indicates that low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
If menopausal brain fog isn’t enough…it seems that a growing number of studies have linked deficiency of vitamin D to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, night sweats, osteoporosis, depression, and periodontal disease, all of which have been linked to some degree to increased risks for dementia.
Based on these risk factors, William Grant, PhD, from the Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center (SUNARC) hypothesizes that vitamin D deficiency may also be a risk factor for dementia. The hypothesis is published in the current issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
“To date, the evidence includes observational studies supporting a beneficial role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of diseases linked to dementia such as vascular and metabolic diseases, as well as an understanding of the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of several mechanisms that lead to dementia."
A recent study from China, reported that as many as 90 per cent of 50 to 70 year olds may be vitamin D deficient or insufficient, with similar findings being reported in Western populations.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and currently affects over 13 million people worldwide. My advice is to get out in the sun and be sure to drink your daily latte or hot cocoa to help boost the vitamin D in your diet.
1 comment:
Locally, our health unit put out a notice recommending that everyone take a 1000 IU supplement. So our household upped our intake. None of us get enough blocks of sun as we should. Heck it's been dark here for over a week. LOL
Post a Comment