Journal
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
Volume 277, Issue 1, Pages 45-57Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/joim.12279
Keywords
Alzheimer's disease; brain; cognition; neuroendocrinology; older adults; vitamin D
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Funding
- Center for Research on Autonomy and Longevity (CeRAL), University Hospital of Angers, France
- Istanbul University [460, 548, 4426, ONAP-21712, ONAP-28651]
- Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey-TUBITAK [107S041, 111S200]
- Health, Sport and Sustainable Development Foundation of Aix-Marseille University
- Alzheimer's Association [NIRG-11-200737]
- Mary Kinross Charitable Trust
- James Tudor Foundation
- Halpin Trust
- Sir Halley Stewart Trust
- Age Related Diseases and Health Trust
- Norman Family Charitable Trust
- UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for the South West Peninsula
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BackgroundHypovitaminosis D, a condition that is highly prevalent in older adults aged 65years and above, is associated with brain changes and dementia. Given the rapidly accumulating and complex contribution of the literature in the field of vitamin D and cognition, clear guidance is needed for researchers and clinicians. MethodsInternational experts met at an invitational summit on Vitamin D and Cognition in Older Adults'. Based on previous reports and expert opinion, the task force focused on key questions relating to the role of vitamin D in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Each question was discussed and voted using a Delphi-like approach. ResultsThe experts reached an agreement that hypovitaminosis D increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults and may alter the clinical presentation as a consequence of related comorbidities; however, at present, vitamin D level should not be used as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker of Alzheimer's disease due to lack of specificity and insufficient evidence. This population should be screened for hypovitaminosis D because of its high prevalence and should receive supplementation, if necessary; but this advice was not specific to cognition. During the debate, the possibility of critical periods' during which vitamin D may have its greatest impact on the brain was addressed; whether hypovitaminosis D influences cognition actively through deleterious effects and/or passively by loss of neuroprotection was also considered. ConclusionsThe international task force agreed on five overarching principles related to vitamin D and cognition in older adults. Several areas of uncertainty remain, and it will be necessary to revise the proposed recommendations as new findings become available.
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