Canadian and UK-based scientists have completed a large-scale study to determine whether vitamin D supplements can help prevent the onset of dementia and uncovered some impressive results.
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Dementia is a growing problem around the world
Dementia is a growing concern worldwide; it is predicted that the number of people with dementia will triple in less than 30 years. This debilitating condition can have a profound impact on the individual suffering from it as well as on their loved ones.
At the moment, there exists no cure for dementia. However, scientists are continuously exploring ways to slow or stop its onset and progression. One such avenue of investigation of how keeping your brain active with games may defer dementia for several years
Another commonly discussed avenue is the link between vitamin D intake and dementia. While there is some evidence to suggest that vitamin D may have the potential to reduce the risk of dementia, studies have produced mixed results.
However, scientists at the University of Exeter and the University of Calgary have shed new light on this topic, highlighting specific groups that could benefit from vitamin D supplementation. Their findings suggest that starting vitamin D supplementation earlier, before cognitive decline sets in, may be particularly effective.
Impressive results
The researchers explored the link between vitamin D supplements and the onset of dementia in a large-scale study with over 12,000 participants. The team's findings were impressive, revealing a 40% reduction in dementia diagnoses among the group who took supplements.
Out of the total sample of participants, 2,696 individuals developed dementia during the 10-year study period. Of these individuals, 2,017 (75%) had not been exposed to vitamin D during any of the visits prior to their diagnosis, while 679 (25%) had been exposed at baseline vitamin D intake.
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More effective for women
Although Vitamin D intake had a helpful effect in all groups, the research team observed that the impact was significantly more pronounced in females than in males. Additionally, the study found that Vitamin D had a greater effect on individuals with normal cognition than those who reported mild cognitive impairment, which is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the effects of vitamin D were notably more substantial in individuals who did not possess the APOEe4 gene, which is associated with a higher risk for Alzheimer's dementia.
This suggests that carriers of the APOEe4 gene may absorb vitamin D more effectively from their intestine, potentially reducing the impact of vitamin D supplementation. However, the researchers did not draw blood levels to test this hypothesis.
Nevertheless, these findings highlight the importance of considering genetic factors when developing personalized strategies for preventing or treating dementia.
Dr. Bryon Creese (one of the authors) stated in a press release that, given the rising number of people affected by dementia, preventing or delaying its onset has become a critical concern.
The study's association between vitamin D and dementia suggests that taking vitamin D supplements could be a useful preventative measure, but clinical trials are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
The University of Exeter is currently conducting further research by randomly assigning participants to either take vitamin D or a placebo and examining changes in memory and thinking tests over time.
They published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. We listed it below for those interested in further reading on the subject.
Sources and further reading:
Scientists predict that the number of people suffering from dementia will triple in less than 30 years - (Universal-Sci)
Keeping your brain lively with games may defer Alzheimer's dementia for several years - (Universal-Sci)
Vitamin D supplementation and incident dementia: Effects, APOE, and baseline cognitive status - (Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring)
Study reveals how APOE4 gene may increase risk for dementia - (National Institute of Aging)
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