Vitamin D helps protect nerve cells from damage, reduces inflammation, and prevents the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Duc, Head of the Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that dementia is increasingly common. There are currently not many medications available to prevent or completely cure dementia. Prolonged illness causes many health consequences, increasing the risk of depression and accidents.
There are many causes that increase the risk of decline or dementia, including an unscientific diet. The habit of drinking too much alcohol, using tobacco and stimulants negatively affects the brain. Lack of micronutrients beneficial to the brain such as potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins can easily lead to problems with blood vessels and nerves, affecting cognitive function and memory.
Research by the National Alzheimer’s Disease Coordinating Center (USA), analyzing data from 12,300 people, shows a link between vitamin D supplements and dementia. Specifically, people who absorb vitamin D have a 40% lower rate of dementia than people who do not.
Vitamin D can participate in the breakdown of a protein called amyloid beta (Aβ). This protein often accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the clearance of beta amyloids contributes to protecting nerve cells from damage. Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain also increases inflammation, causing brain inflammation. Vitamin D also helps balance immunity, fight inflammation, and reduce the risk of dementia.
Doctor Minh Duc recommends that people lacking vitamin D should supplement according to their doctor’s advice. Overusing vitamin D risks accumulating excess calcium, hypercalcemia, increasing the risk of kidney damage and can cause other injuries.
People with signs of memory loss such as forgetting stored objects, directions, names of familiar people, or difficulty concentrating should see a neurologist early. Adding essences such as blueberry and ginkgo biloba also helps increase blood flow to the brain, improving nerve function and connection. From there, patients can improve memory, reduce headaches and insomnia.