Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Cognitive Decline

Previous studies have shown that Vitamin D exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the body, and some research suggests the vitamin may help to promote the proper flow of nutrients and oxygen to brain cells.  Amie Peterson, from Oregon Health & Science University (Oregon, USA), and colleagues studied about 150 people, ages 70 years and older, living in the general community population.   The team assessed circulating levels of Vitamin D in the study participants’ blood, and also administered standardized cognitive tests.  They found that the lower the score on the cognitive assessment, the lower the subject’s vitamin D levels.  The average vitamin D level was 42.8 for the subjects with a perfect score on the cognitive test; 36.7 for those within, but in the lower range, of normal; and 34.8 for the participants with scores indicative of mild cognitive impairment.