Vitamin D and cognitive functioning in the elderly population in Germany
Breitling LP, Perna L, et al, Exp Gerontol, 2011 Nov 21; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Division C070 Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany).
Summary: In a population-based study involving 1,639 elderly subjects (65+ years of age at baseline), serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels in the lowest sex-specific quintile were found to be associated with an average 2.1 units lower COGTEL score (assessment of cognitive function) in women, as compared to COGTEL scores found in women in the highest vitamin D3 status quintile. A similar but weaker association was found in mean.
The authors conclude, "Our findings support suggestions that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with reduced cognitive functioning in the elderly."
