Vitamin D in Midlife Linked to Lower Dementia Marker Years Later
Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood during middle age may be tied to lower amounts of tau protein in the brain years later, according to a study published today in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Tau is a key biomarker associated with dementia.
The researchers emphasize that the findings show a connection, not proof that vitamin D directly reduces tau levels or dementia risk.
“These results suggests that higher vitamin D levels in midlife may offer protection against developing these tau deposits in the brain and that low vitamin D levels could potentially be a risk factor that could be modified and treated to reduce the risk of dementia,” said study author Martin David Mulligan, MB BCh BAO, of the University of Galway in Ireland. “Of course, these results need to be further tested with additional studies.”
Long-Term Study Tracks Vitamin D and Brain Changes
The study followed 793 adults, with an average age of 39, who did not have dementia at baseline. Researchers measured vitamin D levels in participants’ blood at the start.
About 16 years later, participants underwent brain scans to assess levels of tau and amyloid beta proteins, both of which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers defined high vitamin D as greater than 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), while levels below that threshold were considered low.
Overall, 34% of participants had low vitamin D levels, and only 5% reported taking vitamin D supplements.
