Neuroimaging changes associated with vitamin D Deficiency - a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Emerging evidence links vitamin D to brain health and cognitive function.
• Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a potential factor in cognitive impairment pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current evidence on neuroimaging alterations in individuals with vitamin D deficiency.
• To explore the relationship between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and neuroimaging abnormalities to understand mechanisms of cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
• Analysis of neuroimaging findings in vitamin D deficient populations.
• Inclusion of animal studies demonstrating structural brain changes.

Main Results:

• Consistent association found between low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and cognitive impairment.
• Neuroimaging studies reveal increased white matter hyperintensities in various brain regions (periventricular, cortical, juxtacortical).
• Grey matter atrophy observed in key brain areas including the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and left calcarine sulcus in deficient elderly individuals.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant neuroimaging abnormalities.
• These structural brain changes may underlie the observed cognitive impairment in deficient individuals.
• Further research into vitamin D's role in brain structure and function is warranted.