Brains With Higher Vitamin D Linked to Lower Dementia Risk: Study

Vitamin D deficiency is currently a global issue. Roughly one billion people worldwide and 35 percent of U.S. adults consume too little of this essential nutrient. pikselstock/Shutterstock

New research finds levels of vitamin D are associated with our risk of age-related cognitive decline. They’re just not sure why.

Higher Brain Vitamin D Levels Associated with Lower Dementia Risk

Researchers from Tufts University found that higher levels of vitamin D were associated with up to 33 percent lower odds of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Vitamin D receptors are widespread in brain tissue, and the vitamin has shown protective effects that include clearance of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.