Scientists talked about the effects of vitamin D on brain health in old age
People with high levels of vitamin D at a young age are less likely to accumulate tau protein in the brain after a decade and a half, scientists from the University of Galway (Ireland) have found. This was reported on April 7 in the journal Science Daily.
"These results suggest that high levels of vitamin D in middle age may protect against the formation of tau protein deposits in the brain, and its deficiency may be a potentially correctable risk factor for dementia," said study author Martin David Mulligan.
The researchers followed 793 adults for an average of 16 years. At the beginning of the study, the participants were about 39 years old, none of them had dementia. The level of vitamin D in the blood was measured once, at the very beginning. After 16 years, all participants underwent brain scans to assess the concentration of tau protein and beta-amyloid— biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. An indicator above 30 nanograms per milliliter was considered high. As a result, 34% of the participants had low vitamin D levels, while only 5% took vitamin D supplements.
After accounting for factors such as age, gender, and symptoms of depression, the researchers found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with fewer tau proteins in the brain after 16 years. There was no association with beta-amyloid levels.
The authors of the study clarify that the study demonstrates only a correlation, and not a direct causal relationship between vitamin D and a reduced risk of dementia. In addition, the vitamin D level was measured only once, and not in dynamics.
Neuroscientist Christian Jarrett explained in Science Focus on March 29 which six daily habits help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia with age.
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