The University of Calgary collaborated with the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom to investigate the link between vitamin D supplementation and Dementia. They recruited over 12,000 participants for the study. The findings suggested that people who take vitamin D supplements may be at a lower risk of Dementia.
According to the researchers, vitamin D affects the brain and may have implications for dementia prevention. However, the following were their most important findings:
• Early vitamin D supplementation may be especially beneficial for Dementia reduction before cognitive decline begins.
• Vitamin D demonstrated promise in all groups. However, the team discovered that females had significantly lower rates of dementia development. This was in contrast to men.
• Vitamin D supplementation for dementia reduction was more effective in people with normal cognition. This was in comparison to those who showed signs of mild cognitive impairment.
Given the growing number of people affected by Dementia, preventing or even delaying its onset is critical. According to Zahinoor Ismail, MD, because this was not a clinical trial, people’s doses are unknown. He is a principal investigator and a professor at the Cumming School of Medicine and the University of Exeter. As a result, Zahinoor advises those considering a supplement to follow Health Canada’s vitamin D guidelines.
Zahinoor and his colleagues’ findings gave rise to CAN PROTECT. This thorough national study will provide invaluable information on risk factors. Its goal will be to determine which risk factors, alone or in combination, are the most effective dementia prevention targets. It will employ a diverse sample of 10,000 people from across Canada. Participants and their study partner, who is someone they know well, will be included in this sample. According to the researchers, by combining information from a participant and their study partner, they may be able to detect signs of brain aging earlier.
Dr. Ashok believes Vitamin D Is Not the Only Potential Protective Factor against Dementia!
The need for CAN PROTECT only supports Dr. Ashok Bharucha’s claim that the study by the University of Calgary about vitamin D being effective in reducing Dementia risk was the tip of the iceberg. Here are some studies that support vitamin D’s potency in reducing Dementia risk!
1). Cynthia Balion et al. conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review in 2012 to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and dementia and vitamin D concentration in adults. Lower vitamin D concentrations were linked to poorer cognitive function and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the findings.
2). Rebeka Arnljots and colleagues conducted a study in 2017. Its goal was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the risk of Dementia among residents of nursing homes for the elderly. From January to March 2012, blood samples for 25-OH-D analysis were collected. The findings revealed that vitamin D deficiency was common among nursing home residents and was strongly linked to Dementia.
3). In 2022, the University of South Australia conducted a world-first study to determine whether there is a direct link between Dementia and a lack of vitamin D.They conducted the study on a large population using robust genetic analyses. The study’s findings were as follows:
- Genetic studies confirmed a link between vitamin D deficiency and Dementia.
- Increased vitamin D levels (50 nmol/L) could prevent up to 17 percent of dementia cases in some populations.
- Low levels of vitamin D are associated with smaller brain volumes and a higher risk of stroke and Dementia.
Effective Dementia risk reduction goes well beyond merely relying on Vitamin D!
As much as Vitamin D has proven its potency in inhibiting Dementia, lifestyle changes are a more effective strategy! Here are some science-backed lifestyle changes Dr. Ashok believes more people should focus on!
1.Being physically active
Those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop diabetes, stroke, or heart disease, which are all risks associated with Dementia.
2. Being more socially active
Connecting with others can help you stay mentally connected. Interacting with others regularly may help lower your risk of developing Dementia.
3. Having a healthier diet
Eating heart-healthy foods can improve brain health. Blueberries and blackberries, for example, contain a flavonoid known as anthocyanin. This halts the progression of free radicals that cause brain damage.
Other things to know about dementia:
Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and can cause a range of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, and changes in mood and behavior. One of the possible behavioral symptoms of dementia is sexually inappropriate behavior.
Sexually inappropriate behavior in people with dementia can take many forms, including touching themselves in public, making sexually explicit comments or gestures, or engaging in sexual activity with others without consent. This behavior can be distressing for caregivers and family members, and may also be harmful to the person with dementia and others involved. There are several factors that can contribute to sexually inappropriate behavior in people with dementia, including changes in brain function, loss of inhibitions, and changes in personality or mood. It is important to understand that this behavior is not intentional and that it is a symptom of the underlying disease.
There are various strategies that can help manage sexually inappropriate behavior in people with dementia, including redirecting their attention, providing privacy, and using medications to manage any underlying psychiatric symptoms. It is important to work with healthcare professionals and caregivers to develop a personalized plan of care for each individual with dementia.
Final Take Away
While there are some risk factors you cannot control for Dementia, such as genetics and age, some can be controlled. One fantastic way is increasing your take of Vitamin D. Numerous studies have shown just how potent it is in reducing Dementia risk. But, a bigger uptake in Vitamin D cannot operate in isolation when cutting down Dementia risk. Therefore, meaningful lifestyle changes are more effective, as Dr. Ashoka Bharucha and numerous studies also discuss. It is a more wholesome approach that works so well in the long run!
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