Around the world, according to statistics, about 55 million people suffer from dementia. Experts believe that this number will only grow with time. For this reason, it is so important to find ways to slow down or prevent the development of dementia. Perhaps this way will be the intake of vitamin D.
Experts from Tufts University have completed the first study looking at vitamin D levels in the brain. Particular attention was paid to adults who suffered from cognitive (mental) disorders. It turned out that those who had higher levels of vitamin D had more developed cognitive functions. The results of the study were published in Alzheimer's & Dementia.
In general, vitamin D is involved in many processes in the body. This vitamin also supports bone health and immune responses. You can get it from oily fish, fortified drinks (orange juice, milk), and also through exposure to the sun.
A team of specialists in the course of the study studied brain tissue samples from 209 participants in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. As a result, it turned out that in the presence of high levels of vitamin D in four areas of the brain (two are associated with changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease, one with certain forms of dementia, another was without any known association with a decrease in mental functions due to the disease Alzheimer's disease or vascular disease) participants had better cognitive function. However, the amount of vitamin D in the brain was not associated with any markers of Alzheimer's disease.
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More information: MedicalXpress