Vitamin D deficiency associated with dementia and stroke

Vitamins play a major role in maintaining a person’s health. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that is important for bones and immune function. Vitamin D is vital to bone metabolism, calcium absorption, and other metabolic processes in the body. The majority of this vitamin comes from the sun instead of food. Research suggests that also has a role in brain function, cognition, and aging. The deficiency is more prevalent in the South Asian population, especially in women.

Association with dementia:

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia which comprises a range of symptoms including memory loss and difficulties with cognition that impact daily life. New research led by the University of South Australia supports a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and brain health, importantly for the risk of dementia. The major association was seen with 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations less than 25 nmol/L. Though they conveyed that larger studies need to be done to fully determine a causal effect. Yet, this relationship is noteworthy and may prevent the incidence of dementia in older patients.

Association with stroke:

Literature shows that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke, with sun exposure, sex, age, race, and genetics playing a role as well. The severity of a stroke and the outcomes also worsen with vitamin D deficiency. One study suggested that only severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with an incident of stroke. A study conducted in China concluded that “Vitamin D level less than 38.4 nmol/L at admission is a potential risk biomarker for poor functional outcome at 5-year prognosis in AIS patients, which might provide new ideas for the prognostic assessment of stroke.” Hence, the deficiency of Vitamin D could also be a risk factor for stroke.

In Conclusion, Vitamin D deficiency should be countered as it’s related to these two diseases. Even though there is not much research supporting this science but it will not hurt to take a daily dose of this vitamin to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Healthy regular nutrition is the way to a healthy life.