Researchers have found a direct link between vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin” and cognitive impairment. This is an important discovery, because of the connection between cognitive ability and dementia. People whose cognitive function is impaired are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
This 2009 study looked at 2,000 adults over 65 and tested their cognitive function and vitamin D levels. The study found that those with low levels of vitamin D had greater cognitive impairment. Those with the lowest levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to be cognitively impaired. Worse yet, those who were severely deficient in vitamin D were four times as likely to show signs of mental decline. Another study found similar results with the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Those with adequate levels of the vitamin lowered their Parkinson’s risk by 65 percent.
Scientists at the University of California Medical have also discovered a combination of vitamin D and curcumin, which is derived from the spice turmeric, can clear the brain of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s victims. The study author, Dr. Milan Fiala, says, “We hope the vitamin D and curcumin, both naturally occurring nutrients, may offer new preventive treatment possibilities for Alzheimer’s disease.”
In addition to helping prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, vitamin D can maintain bone health and reduce the risk of many types of cancers, diabetes, flu and colds and respiratory infections.
Fortunately, we can all take advantage of these research studies right now, by increasing and maintaining our vitamin D levels with inexpensive supplements. Why supplements? Older people lose their ability to absorb vitamin D from sunlight as the body ages, and most of us don’t eat enough oily fish, such as herring, salmon and mackerel to supply the daily recommended dose.
There are two types of vitamin D supplements. The natural one is D3, which contains the same vitamin your body makes from sunshine. A synthetic form, D2, is often prescribed by doctors. Your body converts vitamin D to a more active form in your body. It’s important to know that D3 converts 500 percent faster than D2, and is more effective. For example, studies have shown that D3 can prevent bone fractures, while D2 can not.
A simple blood test can measure the amount of vitamin D in your body. The recommended level is 50 to 70 ng/ml. If you’re below that level, try for more sun exposure. Just ten minutes in the sun can provide up to 10,000 units of vitamin D. Supplements are also widely available, and inexpensive. As our knowledge of vitamin D health benefits grows, nutritional experts are recommending higher doses, typically 2,000 to 5,000 units of D3 per day.
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D in your body may be one of the most important steps you can take to insure our long-term health, and help you prevent Alzheimer’s and many other health challenges. It should be a integral part of your personal health program.
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