Vitamin D Deficiency and Memory Loss

A surprising statistic shows that only one-third of Americans are getting enough vitamin D – yes, even those living in the Sunshine State of Florida. What else may surprise you is that researchers have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and the development of dementia.

Learn what they’ve found and ways to keep vitamin D levels high.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Dementia

After evaluating vitamin D levels in nearly 1,658 healthy seniors over the age of 65, researchers found that after six years, 171 participants developed dementia (102 developed Alzheimer’s). Those individuals with lower levels of vitamin D had a 53% increased risk of developing dementia, while those with a significantly greater deficiency had a 125% increased risk.

According to Dr. Gayatri Devi, a neurologist specializing in memory disorders, vitamin D helps “prevent the accumulation of toxic amyloid plaque that is present in Alzheimer’s disease,” highlighting its importance and suggesting that sufficient levels of vitamin D may prevent the onset of dementia.

Research is still being conducted to determine for certain whether vitamin D can help prevent dementia and memory loss. In the meantime, vitamin D still remains an important element of a senior’s diet – helping to prevent osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments.

Ways for Seniors to Increase Vitamin D Levels

As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin D directly from the sun decreases – and for homebound seniors, this deficiency is often greater. Here are a few good sources of vitamin D:

Cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks
Vitamin D fortified foods (milk, cereal, juice, etc.)
Sunlight (80-90% of our vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun).
Supplements (*Before taking any over-the-counter medications or vitamins, consult your or your loved one’s physician. )

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

At Sonas Home Health Care, we understand the struggles families face when caring for elderly loved ones. We refer loving and qualified caregivers to provide Expert dementia care for families, from respite services to around-the-clock care. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or Request a Free In-Home Assessment. Together we can determine the best plan of action for your family.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care today. (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.