Vitamin D 'may stop dementia'

Published on Wednesday 20 May 2009 22:04

VITAMIN D could boost brain functions and offer protection against dementia, new research suggests.

Middle-aged and older men with higher levels of the nutrient in their blood were found to have better cognitive function than those with lower amounts.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, examined 3,133 men aged 40 to 79 at eight test centres across Europe.

It found that higher levels of vitamin D were linked to better memory and faster information processing, although the second factor was also affected by mood and activity level.

Those with 35 nanomoles per litre or less of vitamin D in their blood performed poorly.

The paper's lead author, Dr David Lee from Manchester's School of Translation Medicine, said: "We observed a significant, independent association between a slower information processing speed and lower levels of vitamin D."

Dementia occurs when nerve cells in the brain die and, according to the Alzheimer's Society, more than a million people in the UK will have the condition by 2025.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "This extensive study adds to growing evidence of the positive effect that vitamin D can have on the brain.

"Many foods that contain vitamin D, such as oily fish and eggs, are also good sources of vitamin B12, which studies have shown can also help protect the brain.

"Sensible exposure to sunlight is another important source of vitamin D for the body.

"Research like this is vital for finding ways to protect ourselves from dementia."