D Deficiency May Denote Danger of Dementia
July 2009
Low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, says a new hypothesis based on existing risk factors.
A growing number of studies have linked deficiency of vitamin D to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and periodontal disease, all of which have been linked to some degree to increased risks for dementia.
Based on these risk factors, William Grant, Ph.D., from the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center hypothesizes that vitamin D deficiency may also be a risk factor for dementia. The hypothesis is published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
"There are established criteria for causality in a biological system," explained Grant. "The important criteria include strength of association, consistency of findings, determination of the dose-response relation, an understanding of the mechanisms and experimental verification.
"To date, the evidence includes observational studies supporting a beneficial role in vitamin D in reducing the risk of diseases linked to dementia such as vascular and metabolic diseases, as well as an understanding of the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of several mechanisms that lead to dementia."
A recent study from China reported that as many as 90% of 50 to 70-year-olds may be vitamin D deficient or insufficient, with similar findings being reported in Western populations.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and currently affects over 13 million people worldwide. The direct and indirect cost of Alzheimer care is over $100 billion in the U.S.
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 17(1): May, 2009
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/articles/memory-brain-support/d-deficiency-may-denote-danger-of-dementia.html?SourceCode=INTHIR329
