Vitamin D, systemic inflammation, and motoric cognitive risk: exploring the risk factors and mediation pathways

Yunhe Xu1, Pei Qin2, Ningqi Kang1

  • 1Second Clinical Medical College, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China.

Frontiers in Aging
|May 14, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is linked to low vitamin D and high inflammation. Systemic inflammation partially explains how vitamin D deficiency increases MCR risk, especially in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a predementia condition linked to cognitive and motor decline.
  • Vitamin D deficiency and systemic inflammation are implicated in MCR but their interaction is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between vitamin D levels, systemic inflammation, and MCR in hospitalized older adults.
  • To explore the mediating role of systemic inflammation in the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and MCR.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 312 hospitalized adults aged ≥60 years.
  • Serum 25(OH)D levels and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were measured.
  • Multivariable regression and mediation analyses were used to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • MCR prevalence was 17.9%.
  • Lower 25(OH)D levels and higher SII were independently associated with MCR.
  • Systemic inflammation mediated about 25% of the association between low vitamin D and MCR risk.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency and systemic inflammation are significant determinants of MCR.
  • A vitamin D-inflammation pathway may contribute to motoric cognitive vulnerability in older adults.
  • Findings suggest potential for early risk stratification and preventive strategies targeting these factors.

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors01:24

Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...