Vitamin D is known to have many positive effects on the health of our bodies: It regulates the levels of calcium and phosphate, and helps to keep bones and teeth strong.
But new research according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation suggests that for people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, the vitamin may help to prevent or delay the onset of some of the cognitive problems associated with the disease, as well as the depression that many patients experience.
The Foundation states that about 60% of Parkinson’s patients have some level of depression, and about 30% have dementia or some form of cognitive impairment.
The study, conducted by the Oregon Health and Sciences University and published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, noted in its background notes that earlier research showed that Vitamin D has a key role in how our central nervous system functions. Specifically, the vitamin assists with neurodevelopment and the stabilization of mitochondrial function.
With that fact in mind, investigators in the study wanted to see how the vitamin would affect cognitive impairment and mood of 285 patients with the disease.
All patients had tests of their global cognitive functions, verbal memory, verbal fluency, executive function and level of depression. Researchers also measured their levels of Vitamin D.
Higher Levels of Vitamin D Found Beneficial
Researchers noted that 225 of the patients had dementia, and 61 did not. For all of the patients who had higher Vitamin D levels, they were better able to remember names and had a shorter delay in recalling items on a verbal learning quiz.
However, for patients with dementia and without dementia, the higher Vitamin D level seemed to just improve fluency and verbal learning for the patients who did not have dementia.
Researchers also noted that higher levels of the vitamin seemed to improve depression symptoms in patients who did not have dementia.
They found that higher vitamin levels had no effect on depression for patients who had dementia.
The researchers could not determine the causative effects of the vitamin on the disease, such as if low levels of Vitamin D affect cognitive performance. Still, the research indicates a great deal of hope for people who suffer from the disease.
Parkinson’s Products for the Bathroom
For patients who are experiencing Parkinson’s symptoms, we offer many supplies that will greatly enhance your quality of life, as well as your independence. The Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat has all the benefits of a raised seat, but a hinge as well for more convenience. Sunzyme Organic Stain and Odor Control helps to eliminate organic stains and odors in the bathroom and other areas of the house.
