25-Hydroxyvitamin D and cognitive performance in mid-life

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypovitaminosis D is linked to cognitive decline, especially in older adults.
• Previous studies lack a lifespan approach, leaving reverse causality effects unknown.
• The influence of early-life factors on vitamin D and cognition is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cognitive performance in mid-adulthood.
• To investigate the impact of childhood cognitive ability and other life factors on this association.
• To explore the non-linear effects of vitamin D status on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 1958 British birth cohort (n=6496).
• Measured serum 25(OH)D at age 45 and cognitive functions (verbal memory, fluency, processing speed) at age 50.
• Collected prospective data on childhood cognition, education, and lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

• Low (<25 nmol/l) and high (≥75 nmol/l) 25(OH)D levels were associated with poorer immediate word recall.
• Associations attenuated after adjusting for childhood cognition, education, and socioeconomic position.
• A significant non-linear association between 25(OH)D and immediate word recall remained after further covariate adjustment (P(curvature)=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Mid-life 25(OH)D concentrations exhibit a non-linear relationship with immediate word recall.
• Childhood cognitive ability and educational attainment are strong predictors of mid-life cognition.
• Further research is needed to determine optimal 25(OH)D levels for cognitive health in mid-adulthood.