title: Is vitamin D important for preserving cognition? A positive correlation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration with cognitive function.
abstract: This study investigates the association of vitamin D status with cognitive function and discusses potential mechanisms for such an effect. The relationship of vitamin B12 with cognition was also assessed. A retrospective review of older adults presenting to a university-affiliated clinic providing consultative assessments for memory problems was performed. Charts of all patients (n=80) presenting for initial visits were reviewed to identify those who had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), vitamin B12, and mini-mental state examination score (MMSE) all obtained on their first visit (n=32). Correlation analyses between MMSE and 25(OH)D and vitamin B12 levels were performed. Serum 25(OH)D concentration and MMSE showed a (p=0.006) positive correlation; no (p=0.875) correlation was observed between serum B12 concentration and MMSE. In conclusion, the positive, significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentration and MMSE in these patients suggests a potential role for vitamin D in cognitive function of older adults.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2870 University Avenue, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53705, USA. rjprzybe@facstaff.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Przybelski
authors.forename: Neil C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Binkley
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000097:blood*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; D002117:Calcitriol; D014805:Vitamin B 12