Vitamin D in dementia prevention.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Vitamin D, beyond bone health, impacts various organs, including the brain.
• Emerging research highlights vitamin D's neurological roles and clinical implications for aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of research on the neurological functions of vitamin D.
• To discuss the implications of vitamin D for cognitive function, dementia onset, and progression in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on vitamin D intake and cognitive disorders.
• Examination of nonrandomized controlled studies on vitamin D supplementation.

Main Results:

• Lower vitamin D concentrations are associated with brain changes and poorer executive function in older adults.
• Inadequate vitamin D intake is linked to cognitive disorders and increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
• Some studies suggest cognitive improvements in older adults after vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D plays a role in calcium homeostasis, amyloid-β clearance, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory processes.
• Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be vital for slowing, preventing, or improving neurocognitive decline.
• Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm vitamin D's efficacy in preventing AD.