Low vitamin D levels associated with cognitive decline

August, 2010

Another study shows that older adults with low levels of vitamin D have higher levels of cognitive decline, particularly in executive function (but not attention).

Another study has come out showing that older adults with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have cognitive problems. The six-year study followed 858 adults who were age 65 or older at the beginning of the study. Those who were severely deficient in vitamin D were 60% more likely to have substantial cognitive decline, and 31% more likely to have specific declines in executive function, although there was no association with attention. Vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults in the United States and Europe (levels estimated from 40% to 100%!), and has been implicated in a wide variety of physical disease.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/jaaj-lvd070810.php

Reference: 

[1679] Llewellyn, D. J., Lang I. A., Langa K. M., Muniz-Terrera G., Phillips C. L., Cherubini A., et al.
(2010).  Vitamin D and Risk of Cognitive Decline in Elderly Persons.
Arch Intern Med. 170(13), 1135 - 1141.

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