This Dr. AX content has been medically reviewed or fact-checked to ensure virtually accurate information.
Strict editorial sourcing guidelines link only to academic research institutions, reputable media sites, and medically peer-reviewed research where research is available. Note that numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our article is not intended to replace one-to-one relationships with qualified medical professionals and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence written by experts and facts checked by trained editorial staff. Note that numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed research.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and nutritionists, certified health education specialists, certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers, and correction exercise specialists. Our team strives to not only thoroughly research it, but also to be objective and unfair.
The information in our article is not intended to replace one-to-one relationships with qualified medical professionals and is not intended as medical advice.
March 30, 2025
Dementia is unfortunately an increasingly common reality for many elderly people around the world, with some experts and Estimated By 2060, 1 million US adults could develop dementia every year, starting from approximately 514,000 people per year as of 2020. For both patients who fear this brain and their loved ones, researchers continue to look for ways to protect brain health and memory, and to avoid related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkintin’s disease.
On that front, research from the Alzheimer’s Disease Association highlights the potential role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of dementia, a condition in millions of people around the world. Study entitled “Vitamin D Supplies and Incident Dementia: Effects of Gender, APOE, and Baseline Cognitive Status” I explored This connection provides insight into how vitamin D supplementation affects the development of dementia.
Research: Vitamin D for dementia
the study analysis Data from 12,388 individuals without dementia National Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Control. The mean age of participants was 71 years old and was categorized as either normal or mild cognitive impairment based on their cognitive status.
They were further divided into two groups. These are the groups who took vitamin D supplements and those who did not. Researchers have tracked these individuals for over a decade to monitor the onset of dementia.
The findings revealed that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a 40% lower incidence of dementia compared to no supplementation. Specifically, the 5-year dementia-free survival rate was 83.6% in the vitamin D group and 68.4% in the control group.
Of the participants with normal cognition, the vitamin D group had a 5-year survival rate of 95.3% compared to 89.1% in the control group. For those with mild cognitive impairment, the rate was 49.6% in the supplement group and 34.5% in the control group.
This study also noted that the protective effect of vitamin D is more pronounced in individuals with normal cognition of the APOEε4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as in non-driver females. This concluded the study authors that “vitamin D has the potential to prevent dementia, especially in high-risk groups.”
This is a major discovery that can have a major impact on preventing dementia.
How to get more vitamin D
This study revealed how important vitamin D is in protecting cognitive function. And almost everyone can benefit from getting more vitamin D through both sunlight and diet.
How much vitamin D do I need to get per day? Most adults need to take about 15 micrograms of vitamin D every day to prevent vitamin D deficiency, and for people over 70 years, that recommendation increases to 20 micrograms per day.
To maintain optimal vitamin D levels, consider the following sources:
- Sunlight: Naturally in the body Generate Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. It can be helpful to spend 10-30 minutes in the sun several times a week, depending on the type of skin and location.
- Dietary source: Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), egg yolks, fortified dairy products, mushrooms, and more. However, there are not many foods that provide large amounts of vitamin D. So exposure to the skin to sunlight is considered the best way to get vitamin D (and why it is called “Sunshine Vitamins”).
- Supplements: Vitamin D supplements (D2 or D3) are widely available and are recommended for people with sunburns or limited dietary intake. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements.
Other Vitamin D Benefits
Beyond its potential role in reducing the risk of dementia, vitamin D is recognized for several health benefits, including:
- Bone Health: Vitamin d I will promote Calcium absorption is important for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
- Immune function: plays a role modulation The immune system potentially reduces the risk of infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.
- Mood Control: Proper Vitamin D Levels are associated with mood improvement and may be helpful It will ease Symptoms of depression.
Other potential vitamin D benefits include support management Blood sugar level, protect Heart health, support Skin health, etc.
More ways to protect brain health
Vitamin D supplementation appears to help reduce the risk of dementia, but other lifestyle habits also contribute to long-term brain health. Below are other ways to protect brain health and potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia.
- Regular exercise: Attractive Aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of dementia.
- Healthy diet: A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, healthy fats link Better cognitive function.
- Psychiatric Stimulation: Maintain Acting through reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or engaging in social activities, the brain helps to build cognitive resilience.
- Quality sleep: Prioritization 7-9 hours of sleep per night is essential for memory integration and overall brain function.
- Social Engagement: Maintain Strong social connections can reduce stress, boost mood and support cognitive functions.
- Management of chronic conditions: Controlling hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels Lower Risk of vascular dementia.
Conclusion
- This study provides compelling evidence that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a reduced incidence of dementia, especially among specific subgroups.
- These findings are promising, but further research is needed to establish causal relationships and determine the optimal supplementation strategy. In the meantime, ensuring proper vitamin D intake remains a sensible approach to overall health and well-being.
- In the meantime, ensuring proper vitamin D intake via sunlight, diet or supplements is a sensible approach to overall health and well-being, along with maintaining a healthy brain lifestyle through exercise, nutritious diet, mental stimulation and quality sleep.
