Dementia involves memory loss, personality changes and difficulty in learning new things. There are several forms of dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease. Although there is no cure, a number of oral medicines, including donepezil and memantine, can help slow its progression. Vitamin D might also play a role in the prevention and treatment of dementia, although scientific evidence to prove this is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin D for dementia.
Properties and Uses
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body produces when sunlight hits the skin. It is essential for bone growth, proper immune function and cell growth. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that it might also play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of conditions including cancer, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. An article published in the August 2010 issue of "Neuropsychobiology" notes that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with dementia.
Research
Evidence showing vitamin D might help to stave off or improve dementia is mixed. Although research findings published in the "Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology" show that low vitamin D levels link with an increase risk of cognitive impairment, an article in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" in 2009 notes that there is little evidence to suggest vitamin D supplementation can reduce the incidence of dementia.
Sources and Administration
Vitamin D is in a number of foods, including mackerel, salmon, milk, beef liver, eggs, cheese and yogurt. It also comes as a dietary supplement in capsules and tablets. Since vitamin D is not a proven dementia treatment, guidance regarding a suitable dose is lacking. However, your doctor might suggest an appropriate dose.
Other Supplements
MayoClinic.com notes that other supplements sometimes used in dementia treatment include vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and ginkgo biloba. However, the website warns that the claimed benefits of using dietary supplements and herbs for dementia stem from anecdotal, rather than scientific evidence. Consult your doctor before using any of these supplements as they might cause side effects are be unsuitable for you. For example, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E supplements might increase the risk of bleeding and might be unsuitable for people taking anticoagulant drugs.
References
- Mayoclinic.com: Dementia; April 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- "Neuropsychobiology"; Vitamin D and Ageing: Neurological Issues; C. Annweiler, et al.; August 2010
- "Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology"; Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Cognitive Impairment.; D.J. Llewellyn, et al.; September 2009
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Does Vitamin D Reduce the Risk of Dementia?; W.B. Grant; 2009
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