Supplements Archives - Alzheimers Support

Is Vitamin D really a vitamin for dementia?

A vitamin for dementia might be Vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that have been recommended for those with dementia and found through studies to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk

Sometimes we forget how important Vitamin D can be, especially as a vitamin for dementia. Since it’s easily absorbed into our body through lots of sunshine, and also found in the foods we eat, we don’t keep track of how much we actually get–or need.

But if you have a sickness that keeps you housebound for a few days, and you’re eating poorly due to nausea from your illness, your Vitamin D levels may drop quickly.

Vitamin D is important for our bodies since it allows for the proper absorption of calcium, which helps our bone development.

It also controls cell growth, assists with nerves and muscles and keeps our immune system functioning properly. All things that show that Vitamin D is a good vitamin for those with dementia. It also helps to fight inflammation so we are able to defend against illness and remain healthy.

It’s true, most of us receive lots of needed Vitamin D from the sunshine each day and a regular nutritious diet, including lots of fish and fatty foods such as cheese, eggs, and mushrooms. Plus, Vitamin D is added to many processed food items that we purchase and eat each day.

Despite the numerous ways we receive Vitamin D, we may still have levels far below a healthy range.

I was hospitalized 2 years ago and besides treating my primary illness, the very first thing done was a big Vitamin D shot because the level in my system was way too low. I’d scarcely been ill longer than 2 weeks (staying in bed away from the sun and eating nothing more than Chicken Noodle Soup.

Still, I was amazed to find my Vitamin D depleted so quickly because I live in a sunshine state and did sit outside on several occasions despite my two-week illness.

So don’t be over-confident about the Vitamin D in your body. Check with your family doctor to see if your numbers are low. He may suggest a good supplement and the quantity that should be taken though there is no prescription required to purchase Vitamin D supplements. The recommended daily requirement for an Adult between (50-70) would be no more than 600 IU daily. (A complete chart: Webmd)

A recent study from the American Academy of Neurology brought this notation about the results. “We expected to find an association between low Vitamin D levels and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but the results were surprising—we actually found that the association was twice as strong as we anticipated,” said study author David J. Llewellyn, PhD, of the University of Exeter Medical School in the United Kingdom.

Be aware! Be sure that you get lots of Sun and track that Vitamin D intake from Supplements and food.

After my own illness, I bought a small notebook that is perfect for this challenge. I track several vitamins and other medications that I take daily and it becomes quite natural to take more notice of what I eat. When I visit my Pulmonary doctor, he’s happy to view the ways I’m trying to help myself.

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Vitamin D deficiency and Mobility Issues

Vitamin D deficiency may lead to mobility issues as Vitamin D is need to keep healthy bones as well as a strong Cardio Vascular system .

Older people with lowest vitamin D levels are 1.7 times more likely to have at least one physical limitation than those with the highest levels. Not getting enough vitamin D may lead to problems with completing everyday tasks later in life.

I know from personal experience how important Vitamin D can be. While hospitalized a couple years ago, my levels of Vitamin D were almost nil. My own problem wasn’t from lack of sunshine but a COPD exacerbation. Though I was given injections of replacement Vitamin D, I still required rehab to be able to walk easily and keep my balance steadily.

This article discusses other consequences from low levels of Vitamin D and says, “Seniors who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to have mobility limitations and to see their physical functioning decline over time.”

Lead author Evelien Sohl, a researcher with VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, said in a press release, “Older individuals with these limitations are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes and face a higher risk of mortality.”

“One of the reasons we’re so vitamin D deficient is we’re avoiding the sun and wearing sun screen,” Phillips added. “That’s great for skin cancer prevention, not such good news for our vitamin D levels.”

Dr. Michael Holick, a professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, said that this study showed there was a necessity to look further into whether taking supplements could help with vitamin D deficiencies. He was not involved in the study.

The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements recommends adults 51 to 70 years old get 600 IUs of vitamin D each day and those 70 and older get 800 IUs daily. See on www.cbsnews.com

Make certain that your loved one takes frequent walks outside and receives a good daily dose of Vitamin D.

To learn even more about Vitamin D check this article: 15 Benefits from Vitamin D

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Is there a Vitamin for Dementia and which one?

Is Vitamin D really a vitamin for dementia?

Vitamin D deficiency may lead to Mobility Issues in the Elderly

Vitamin D deficiency and Mobility Issues