Alternative Health Blog

In a population-based study involving 858 adults aged 65 years of age or older, low levels of vitamin D were found to be associated with substantial cognitive decline in the elderly. Subjects who were severely deficient (25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L) had a significantly higher multivariate adjusted relative risk (1.60) of substantial cognitive decline according to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Trail-Making Test B (1.31), as compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels (25(OH)D >/= 75 nmol/L). Subjects were followed up with every 3 years for 6 years. The authors conclude, "Low levels of vitamin D were associated with substantial cognitive decline in the elderly population studied over a 6-year period, which raises important new possibilities for treatment and prevention."   Reference:    "Vitamin D and risk of cognitive decline in elderly persons," Llewellyn DJ, Lang IA, et al, Arch Intern Med, 2010; 170(13): 1135-41. (Address: Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter EX2 5DW, England. E-mail: david.llewellyn@pms.ac.uk ).   Comment from Dr.DeSilva...it is important that everyone know what their Vit. D level is.  You can check your Vit. D level by a simple blood test at your doctors office.