Given a growing body of evidence linking the development of Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia to vitamin D deficiency, a new paper suggests more research is needed to establish a possible causation.
The existing evidence centers around the fact that low serum levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, cavities, osteoporosis and periodontal disease.
All of these conditions are considered either a risk factor for dementia or may precede its onset.
In addition to that, scientists believe the vitamin plays a role in inflammation reduction as well as brain development and function.
Based on these factors, Dr William B. Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center writing in the current issue of the Journal of Alzheimers Disease suggests studies of dementia and prediagnostic serum vitamin supplementation are warranted.
He says the elderly are generally vitamin D deficient, and therefore those over the age of 60 should consider having their serum vitamin D tested and aim to maintain it at the level of at least 30 ng/mL but preferably over 40 ng/mL.
Moreover, like many other practitioners he suggests using nutritional supplements that contain between 1000 2000 IUD of vitamin D3 or spending more time in the sun.
