Title:The Potential Role of Vitamin D Supplementation in Cognitive
Impairment Prevention
Volume: 23
Issue: 5
Author(s): Iris Zeqaj, Roberto Piffero*, Elisa Calzaducca, Mario Pirisi and Mattia Bellan
Affiliation:
- Department of Translational Medicine (DiMeT), Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, "AOU Maggiore della Carità", Novara, Italy
Keywords:
Vitamin D, cholecalciferol, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease.
Abstract:
Background: Vitamin D is implicated in many processes in the central nervous system
(CNS), such as neurogenesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, synaptogenesis and protection against oxidative
stress, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect.
Objective: In the present review, we aimed to evaluate the potential benefit(s) of vitamin D supplementation
for CNS aging in different clinical contexts.
Methods: We performed a literature search, looking for clinical trials and randomized clinical trials evaluating
the effect of vitamin D supplementation on different endpoints related to cognitive outcomes.
Results: Firstly, we identified 16 papers dealing with the impact of vitamin D supplementation on
cognitive function in healthy subjects; the current literature suggests a real role for vitamin D supplementation
in the prevention of cognitive decay in this clinical setting. Conversely, two papers suggest
that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Finally, current data on vitamin D in Alzheimer’s disease are contradictory.
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation may improve the cognitive outcomes of patients with MCI,
whereas there is no evidence that it may prevent dementia or modulate the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
