Journal List > Dement Neurocogn Disord > v.11(4) > 1120789

Moon and Han: Vitamin D Deficiency and Cognitive Dysfunction

Abstract

Vitamin D is not a true vitamin but a fat-soluble steroid prohormone that has long been known for its important and diverse role in the biological system. Many studies have revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, type II diabetes and infectious diseases. Vitamin D3 is transformed to its active form, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, through metabolisms in the liver and kidney. 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 interacts with its vitamin D receptor, and the brain is now known to have vitamin D receptors and 1α-hydroxylase. Several lines of evidences suggest vitamin D deficiency is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, however, its position in cognitive function is still in its infancy. Vitamin D deficiency is a reversible condition and can be easily treated with supplements. Randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in patients with neurodegenerative conditions are needed.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Major studies of the association between Vitamin D and cognitive decline or dementia
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NHANESIII, the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; EMAS, European Male Ageing Study; EPIDOS, Epide'miologie de l'Oste'oporose; ZENITH, Zinc Effects in Nutrient/Nutrient Interactions and Trends in Health and Ageing; HSE, Health Survey for England 2000; InCHIANTI, Invecchiare in Chianti study; TMT A/B, Trail-Making Tests A and B; DSST, Digit Symbol Substitution Test; COWAT, Controlled oral word association test; CTRM, Camden Topographical Recognition Memory; SPMSQ, Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire; CANTAB, Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery.

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