Can Low Vitamin D Levels Cause Memory Problems in the Elderly?
A new study suggests that low levels of vitamin D may decrease brain function in the elderly. Here’s what you need to know.
If there’s one vitamin that’s taken on new importance in the last few months, it’s vitamin D. Not only has it been shown that Americans don’t get enough of this vitamin, but vitamin D appears to play a pivotal role in the prevention of a variety of diseases ranging from osteoporosis to cancer. A new study now suggests that low levels of vitamin D may even reduce brain function in older people.
This study which will be published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychology and Neurology looked at 1,766 older people. After assessing their level of cognitive function, they measured blood levels of vitamin D. It was found that the older people with lower cognitive function had low levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream, while those with normal brain function had higher levels. In fact, those subjects with the lowest levels of vitamin D were four times more likely to suffer from brain impairment compared to those with the highest levels.
Could low levels of vitamin D play a role in dementia such as Alzheimer’s? Although this study doesn’t prove cause and effect, other studies have shown that vitamin D is important for normal brain development and function. The elderly population is at particularly high risk for vitamin D deficiency since they’re not exposed to as much sunlight and have a difficult time absorbing vitamin D through the skin. Low vitamin D levels have also been associated with depression in the elderly in some studies.
How much vitamin D do older people need on a daily basis? Although the minimum daily requirements for younger adults is between 200 and 400 mg. per day, the minimum requirements for the elderly population is 600 mg. per day. Many elderly patients, particularly those living in nursing homes, are unlikely to get those amounts with limited exposure to the sun. Plus, many experts believe the minimum requirements need to be higher with so many studies correlating low levels of vitamin D with an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get the minimum vitamin D requirements through diet alone unless vitamin D fortified foods such as milk or fatty fish are eaten several times per week. Plus, many older people don’t eat dairy foods due to lactose intolerance. With absorption of vitamin D derived from sunlight being less effective in the elderly, even outdoor exposure to sunlight may not be sufficient. Although vitamin D supplementation is an option, it’s unclear as to whether supplements provide the same benefits as vitamin D derived from food sources.
Hopefully, future studies will clarify whether vitamin D supplementation can help older people with low levels of vitamin D, particularly those who have reduced brain function due to dementia.
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Stacey T Pollock | Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
Yes I have also noticed the effects of vitamin D deficiency now living in Holland. When I was in Australia, I received plenty of vitamin D from the sun but now I am having to take tablets to compensate. I noticed hair loss, and weakness in my nails. It also makes the skin go very white, and can make you feel very low (there is a high rate of winter depression here in Holland and other cold countries). Most people give their babies and young children in Holland vitamin D drops up until they are 4 years of age because of the lack of sun. The only other alternative is the use of sun beds where you are exposing yourself to UV radiation. Which is also not a great choice for the skin, drawing out moisture and causing premature aging. I have opted to take tablets and they are making a big difference, not only to my hair and nails, but also to my skin and the way I feel generally.
I think vitamin D can be combined with taking Calcium also which makes a huge difference if a person has problems in their joints and bones?
Interesting article, thankyou for sharing.
LaurenRN | Mar 10, 2009 | Reply
stacey’s comment was great, because when I read this, I went to check our bottle of calcium with D and found we get 500 mg daily from it. That should be good, since I do drink milk and so do my kids. It supports the notion that the supplementation of the D will help. Thanks for the information.
AdzJolls | May 14, 2009 | Reply
Are there contra-indication for vitamin D though? Can an overload of D cause other problems?
betsy conto | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
I HAVE A TERRIBLE PROBLEM WITH MY SKIN MAYBE IT IS BECAUSE MY LEVEL OF VIT D IS TO LOW .