Vitamin D has long been known as “The Sunshine Vitamin” because the skin makes it when exposed to light. It’s an important nutrient because Vitamin D supports your muscles, nerves, and immune system. You can also get it from eating eggs, fatty fish, and fortified foods like milk and cereal.
Additionally, a new study has determined that Vitamin D has another important benefit. Cases of dementia could drop by almost 20% of people who have vitamin D deficiency took supplements.
Vitamin D and Dementia
Researchers studied the impact of low levels of vitamin D and the risk of dementia and stroke. They found that low levels of vitamin D were associated with lower brain volumes and an increased risk of dementia and stroke.
Having insufficient vitamin D is unfortunately extremely common, with up to 40% of U.S. adults considered to have insufficient levels of the vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can include fatigue, back pain, and symptoms of depression.
Though vitamin D deficiency has no single cause, some of the most common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are age, obesity, and using certain medications that affect vitamin D metabolisms, such as statins and steroids.
These new findings have added important implications for the risks of dementia. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide, affecting thinking and behaviors as people age. Every year, more than 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed. With no cure in sight, there is an increasing focus on preventative behavior.
Avoid The Risks
The study determined that one of the most effective preventive measures to avoid the risk of dementia is to boost vitamin D levels. Increase your health and wellbeing by getting enough time outdoors each day and by adding vitamin D rich foods into your diet. If those steps aren’t enough, consider adding a vitamin D supplement to your regimen.
Raising your vitamin D levels can reduce your risk of dementia and of having a stroke. But it’s still essential to protect your loved ones and your finances. Be prepared with a Heart/Stroke/Cancer policy from ASBA. The policy could help cover specialized treatments not covered by Medicare.
Source: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ajcn/nqac107/6572356?login=false
