Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates Dementia Risk and Vitamin D
May 31, 2025
Scott Beach, a faculty member at the Psychopharmacology Institute, dives into the intriguing findings from the UK Biobank study. He reveals how vitamin D deficiency might elevate dementia risk by up to 25%. The discussion emphasizes the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels, especially in older adults, and suggests that this affordable supplement could be key in bolstering brain health. Beach also highlights the notable differences linked to skin color and gene type, making a compelling case for dietary interventions to promote cognitive well-being.
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Vitamin D Linked to Dementia Risk
- Vitamin D deficiency raises dementia risk by 25%, insufficiency by 11% according to UK Biobank data.
- Nearly 20% were deficient, showing a strong, dose-dependent association with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Vitamin D Effect Independent of APOE
- The dementia risk did not differ significantly by APOE genotype, indicating vitamin D's effect is broad.
- Dark-skinned individuals showed no clear link, but that finding may be due to underpowered statistics.
Vitamin D's Neuroprotective Role
- Vitamin D may help break down beta-amyloid plaques and prevent neurodegeneration mechanisms like tau-hyperphosphorylation.
- These neuroprotective roles provide biological plausibility for its protective effects against Alzheimer's.