(29-01-13) Higher vitamin D intake linked with cognitive performance and Alzheimer's disease risk in women

by John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Higher blood saturation levels of vitamin D have been
conclusively shown to lower the risk for a myriad of chronic illnesses
including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. More recent scientific
studies are beginning to draw a solid connection between intake of the sunshine
vitamin and how well we retain memories, utilize thought processes and learn
new concepts. Additionally, many forward thinking health researchers are
providing clear evidence that the prohormone can impact the overall risk for
developing the insidious memory robbing illness known as Alzheimer's disease.

A research team from the Angers University Hospital in France has released the
results of a study in the Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences
and Medical Sciences that demonstrates how vitamin D may be a vital component
for the cognitive health of women as they age. In the study, scientists provide
evidence to demonstrate that higher vitamin D dietary intake is associated with
a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Study highlights the critical importance of vitamin D supplementation among
the elderly
In past studies, researchers have concluded that low vitamin D levels among
older women are associated with higher odds of global cognitive impairment and
a higher risk of global cognitive decline. This study was based on an analysis
of 6,257 older women who had vitamin D levels measured during the Study of
Osteopathic Fractures and whose cognitive function was tested by the Mini-
Mental State Examination.

The researchers found that participants with the lowest blood concentration of
vitamin D (fewer than 10 ng/mL using the standard 25(OH)D blood test) were
associated with significantly higher odds of global cognitive impairment at
baseline among the older women. Those with blood saturation levels considered
to be low (fewer than 20 ng/mL) were associated with a higher risk of incident
global cognitive decline, as measured by performance on the Mental State
Examination. It is important to note that vitamin D readings below 20 ng/mL are
frequent among those aged 65 and older, placing them at considerable risk for
cognitive decline and dementia.

The study team concluded that "women who developed Alzheimer's disease had
lower baseline vitamin D intakes (an average of 50.3 micrograms per week) than
those who developed other dementias (an average of 63.6 micrograms per week) or
no dementia at all (an average of 59.0 micrograms per week)." Conversion of
vitamin D in the skin from sun exposure declines rapidly after the age of 50,
necessitating a prudent supplementation program to maintain optimal blood
saturation levels (50 to 70 ng/mL) and dramatically lower risk for memory loss,
cognitive decline and Alzheimer's dementia.

Sources for this article include:

http://biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/67/11/1205
http://www.sciencenewsline.com/articles/2012120112020007.html
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-11/tgso-vdt113012.php
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121130222245.htm

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