Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease with no available cure, is marked by both physical and cognitive disability. In MS, central nervous system white matter lesions, believed to be consequences of inappropriate immune system reactivity, compromise inter-neuronal communication and, depending on the location of damage, beget a variety of symptoms including fatigue, loss of sensation, weakness of limbs, slowed psychomotor processing, and impaired memory. Recently, low vitamin D levels have been identified as a potential risk factor for MS, precipitating research into the immunomodulating properties of this vitamin that allow it to work in both a protective and therapeutic manner. Despite its promise as a disease-modifying agent, however, there is scant research that looks explicitly at vitamin D levels and cognitive symptoms of MS. Given the cognitive enhancing effects of vitamin D in other chronic inflammatory conditions such as chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, there is urgent need to research whether vitamin D may prove equally beneficial in reducing cognitive sequelae in MS. Guidelines for future research are suggested.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS)
Additional research would be needed to isolate the contribution of vitamin D alone, these results show therapeutic promise for vitamin D in the context of chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction
That vitamin D is important for normal brain function is supported by presence of vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D receptors in the central nervous system
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) It has a complex etiology involving both genetic susceptibility and exposure to environmental factors. As a consequence of reduced axonal insulation, communication between neurons is severely compromised, and long-term disturbance of neural communication may eventually lead to neural death. The qualitative nature of MS symptoms depends upon the location of the damage and can include muscle weakness, mental and physical fatigue, loss of sensation, visual impairment, lack of coordination, muscle spasticity, bladder disturbance, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive decline [1]. Tracking and treatment of the disease is expensive, and, depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be impossible for affected individuals to maintain employment [3]. We will review the known immunological character of MS and describe the possible neuroprotective effects of vitamin D, highlighting the particular utility of vitamin D for cognitive enhancement in those affected by the illness
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