Study Examines Vitamin D Deficiency and Cognition Relationship

A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment in older adults. Recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the study measured the cognitive function of well-functioning adults aged 70 to 79, and assessed them again four years later, with vitamin D levels taken at the 12-month follow-up. “This study provides increasing evidence that suggests there is an association between low vitamin D levels and cognitive decline over time,” said lead author Valerie Wilson, MD, assistant professor of geriatrics at Wake Forest Baptist. “Although this study cannot establish a direct cause and effect relationship, it would have a huge public health implication if vitamin D supplementation could be shown to improve cognitive performance over time because deficiency is so common in the population.” He indicated that randomized, controlled trials are needed to establish a causal relationship. To read more about the study, click here.