In a study with far-reaching ramifications for senior citizens, a research team has found a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the likelihood of dementia. The study determined that people in the older age bracket who are not getting a sufficient amount of the vitamin – due to gaps in their dietary nutrition – are increasing their dementia risk by more than 100%.
Dementia is actually not one medical condition but an umbrella descriptor for numerous cognitive disorders. The most commonly diagnosed disorder that is considered a form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is not just a mental malady but poses an incredible threat to general health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rates it as the sixth most common cause of death in the nation, with over 5 million people suffering from the condition. The disease most frequently arises in people who are more than 65 years old, an age group in which it strikes 1 in 10 people.
The researchers, who reported their findings in Neurology, observed that vitamin D deficiencies were prevalent in those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This news is disconcerting in part because older Americans tend to suffer from low vitamin D levels, and those are exactly the people dementia is most likely to target. This connection between dementia and a commonly available vitamin underscores the role of a healthy diet in weight loss and general wellness.
Vitamin D statistics & study parameters
According to the CDC, one out of every three Americans does not get enough vitamin D. While only some of those people – 8% overall – are technically deficient, that number obviously represents a large chunk of the US population. Vitamin D is easy to find. It can be obtained through sunlight and everyday nutrition: fatty fish (those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna), eggs, and dairy.
In order to evaluate the hypothesized connection between dementia and vitamin D, the study authors looked at over 1600 people who were greater than 65 years old and had strong brain health, free of dementia. The level of vitamin D within the blood of participants was determined, and follow-up assessments continued for almost 6 years on average. During the assessment period that followed the initial evaluation, 171 of the individuals started to experience dementia. Analysis demonstrated that participants who were deficient in vitamin D had a 53% higher likelihood of dementia than those with strong levels of the vitamin – 125% higher for those with extreme deficiencies.
Striking the right balance with quality care
Strong health is about achieving a proper balance throughout the systems of the body. Our medical weight loss program at Atlanta Medical Clinic uses the expertise of doctors and nutritionists to help you lose weight in a safe, carefully monitored setting. Find out more with a free consultation today.