Neuroimaging changes associated with vitamin D Deficiency - a narrative review

ABSTRACTEmerging evidence suggests the role of vitamin D in brain health and its implication in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. The Aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on neuroimaging changes seen in vitamin D deficient individuals. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have consistently found an association between low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, investigating the association between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and neuroimaging abnormalities could provide an insight into the potential mechanisms underlying the association with cognitive impairment. Animal studies have demonstrated structural changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of vitamin D deficient mice. Neuroimaging studies of the brain have shown increased white matter hyperintensities in periventricular, cortical, and juxtacortical areas and grey matter atrophy of the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and left calcarine sulcus in elderly with vitamin D deficiency.