Vitamin D and neurocognitive dysfunction: preventing "D"ecline?
A preponderance of evidence supports a role for vitamin D beyond the classical function in mineral homeostasis. Epidemiologic investigations have revealed a beneficial role of vitamin D in muscle function, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and cancer prevention. More recently, studies have suggested a potential beneficial role of vitamin D in cognitive function. Vitamin D exhibits functional attributes that may prove neuroprotective through antioxidative mechanisms, neuronal calcium regulation, immunomodulation, enhanced nerve conduction and detoxification mechanisms. Compelling evidence supports a beneficial role for the active form of vitamin D in the developing brain as well as in adult brain function. The vitamin D receptor and biosynthetic and degradative pathways for the hydroxylation of vitamin D have been found in the rodent brain; more recently these findings have been confirmed in humans. The vitamin D receptor and catalytic enzymes are colocalized in the areas of the brain involved in complex planning, processing, and the formation of new memories. These findings potentially implicate vitamin D in neurocognitive function.
Buell
Jennifer S
JS
Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, USA.
Dawson-Hughes
Bess
B
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium