Vitamin D’s link to preventing dementia focus of new UCalgary study

A study shows that there could be a link between taking vitamin D and lowering the risk of developing dementia as we age.

Researchers from the University of Calgary (UCalgary) and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom collaborated on the study, which examined the effects in 12,000 participants.

“We know that vitamin D has some effects in the brain that could have implications for reducing dementia; however, so far, research has yielded conflicting results. Our findings give key insights into groups who might be specifically targeted in future studies of vitamin D supplementation,” said Dr. Zahinoor Ismail, MD, professor at the Cumming School of Medicine and the University of Exeter, and principal investigator.

“Overall, we found evidence to suggest that earlier supplementation might be particularly beneficial, before the onset of cognitive decline.”

The study shows vitamin D supplements are good for all age groups. However, they are more effective in women and people who do not have “signs of cognitive impairments.”

“Preventing dementia or even delaying its onset is vitally important given the growing numbers of people affected,” said Dr. Byron Creese, PhD, associate professor at the University of Exeter, and co-author.

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“The link with vitamin D in this study suggests that taking vitamin D supplements may be beneficial in preventing or delaying dementia, but we now need clinical trials to confirm whether this is really the case.”

For those considering taking supplements, Ismail suggests following Health Canada’s recommended guidelines for vitamin D, until new concrete evidence emerges.

‘It’s unbelievable what I’m going through’

Sari Bruyer is a caregiver taking care of a patient diagnosed with dementia. She says “it’s unbelievable what I’m going through,” noting her patient becomes confused and argumentative.

“He moves things around and forgets that he moved them around,” Bruyer said. “They blame someone else … You can’t argue with them … It takes a lot of patience.”

She says, from a caregiver’s perspective, you have to be patient and not try to contradict them.

However, Bruyer is hesitant to buy into any links between vitamin D and dementia until she sees more proof.

“I think there is a relationship between dehydration and confusion,” Bruyer said. “Aging people don’t feel hungry, and don’t feel thirsty. So, consequently, they don’t eat enough and don’t drink enough, which results in weight loss and dehydration.”

“Taking vitamin D when you’re younger as a preventative is good. However, taking the vitamin when the dementia has started, it’s not a cure,” she said.

Meanwhile, UCalgary has launched an online questionnaire as part of CAN-PROTECT to find new insights about how brains age.

“CAN-PROTECT is a comprehensive national study that will provide invaluable information on which risk factors, alone or in combination, are the best targets for dementia prevention,” said Ismail. “We’re hoping to recruit a diverse sample of 10,000 people throughout the country, including participants and their study partner, who is somebody that knows them well.”

People of all ages can take part. The questionnaire also has a section for caregivers, nurses, and partners of people with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The study is published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring.