Abstract
The number of individuals aged 65 and older is expected to more than double from 2012 to 2060. The role of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with aging has not been well studied. Traditionally, the role of vitamin D focused on the maintenance of skeletal health in the older adult. With the discovery of vitamin D receptors in the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, the role of vitamin D and its impact on these systems has become an important area of research. Older adults are at risk for lower levels of vitamin D as a result of decreased cutaneous synthesis and dietary intake of vitamin D. Epidemiologic evidence indicates an association between low levels of vitamin D and diseases associated with aging such as cognitive decline, depression, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Clinical trials to determine the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in preventing and treating such diseases are in progress. This paper highlights current evidence regarding the role that vitamin D may play in diseases associated with aging and addresses the need for well-designed randomized trials to examine its benefit on health outcomes in the older adult.
Highlights
Vitamin D plays a vital role in human health [35]
In addition to cognitive impairment, Alzheimer and vascular dementia are being examined relative to vitamin D in the elderly. This year, a large, prospective, population-based study of 1658 ambulatory, older adults who participated in the United States Cardiovascular Health Study were examined for the relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of all-cause dementia, including Alzheimer disease [47]
The findings revealed that low vitamin D levels were associated with symptoms of depression; vitamin D supplementation showed no improvement in depressive symptoms
Summary
Vitamin D plays a vital role in human health [35]. Low levels of vitamin D can drastically impact a person's physical and mental well-being [22, 36]. Recent findings suggest that low vitamin D levels in older adults are associated with an increased incidence of cognitive decline [49]. Llewellyn and colleagues [48] examined 3,325 persons aged 65 and older and reported that individuals with low levels of vitamin D (75 nmol/l).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
