Brain vitamin D forms, cognitive decline, and neuropathology in community‐dwelling older adults

Abstract

Introduction Vitamin D purportedly protects against cognitive decline and dementia based on observational data using circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Little is known about vitamin D in the human brain and the association with dementia or neuropathology. Methods Decedents of the Rush Memory and Aging Project (n = 290) had vitamin D concentrations measured in four brain regions. Associations with cognitive and neuropathological outcomes were estimated using linear and logistic regression. Results The main form of vitamin D in all brain regions measured was 25(OH)D3. Higher brain 25(OH)D3 concentrations were associated with a 25% to 33% lower odds of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at the last visit before death (all P ≤ .031). However, brain 25(OH)D concentrations were not associated with any post‐mortem neuropathology outcome studied. Discussion Higher brain 25(OH)D3 concentrations were associated with better cognitive function prior to death. Additional research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms underlying this potentially protective relationship.

Identification of a specific APOE transcript and functional elements associated with Alzheimer’s disease

“…It plays an important role in the developmental upregulation of KCC2 gene expression that is essential for fast synaptic inhibition in adult neurons 40 . Vitamin D can upregulate VDR 41 and purportedly protect against cognitive decline and dementia 42 . However, the binding of one TF alone is rarely enough to directly infer functional effects on the gene expression levels, typically under the combinatorial and dynamic control of multiple TFs.…”

Improving Cognitive Function with Nutritional Supplements in Aging: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical Studies Investigating the Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Other Dietary Supplements

“…Clinical evidence supports the role of vitamin D supplementation in preserving cognitive function, especially in older adults [165][166][167]. Research has shown that adequate levels of vitamin D are associated with improved cognitive performance, and supplementation has been found to benefit those with deficiencies [165][166][167].…”

“…Clinical evidence supports the role of vitamin D supplementation in preserving cognitive function, especially in older adults [165][166][167]. Research has shown that adequate levels of vitamin D are associated with improved cognitive performance, and supplementation has been found to benefit those with deficiencies [165][166][167]. This is particularly crucial for cerebrovascular health, as vitamin D supports blood flow to the brain and reduces the risk of cerebrovascular diseases, which can impact cognitive abilities [162,163].…”

Evidence That Increasing Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations to 30 ng/mL in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Could Greatly Improve Health Outcomes

“…A recent article reported measurements of 25(OH)D in the serum and in the brain with respect to mild cognitive impairment or dementia [ 123 ]. This study was conducted among 290 participants in the Descendants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project with a mean age at death of 92 ± 6 years and a mean plasma 25(OH)D concentration of 35 ± 17 ng/mL.…”