Vitamin D
Is vitamin D important for preserving cognition? A positive correlation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration with cognitive function

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2006.12.018Get rights and content

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.

Section snippets

Patients

In this retrospective chart review, the clinic records of all patients presenting to a monthly community-based, university-affiliated consultative clinic (in existence July 2002 through May 2005) were reviewed. All patients had been referred for the assessment of memory loss or behavioral problems related to cognitive impairment. In addition to memory testing, the patients received a general geriatric assessment by one physician (RP), resulting in acquisition of clinical chemistries to

Patient demographics

Eighty patients were assessed over the 34-month period at the consultative memory clinic. Forty patients had 25(OH)D and 54 had vitamin B12 concentrations assessed on the day of MMSE testing. Of the 78 patients in whom a MMSE score was obtained, 32 also had both 25(OH)D and vitamin B12 levels assessed on the day of cognitive testing. In this cohort of 32 patients, 25 had a serum 25(OH)D less than 30 ng/ml and one patient had a serum B12 less than 200 pg/ml. The MMSE score (mean 19.2; maximum

Discussion

This clinical observational report demonstrates a positive correlation between circulating 25(OH)D concentration and the MMSE test results of older adults presenting for memory assessment at a university-associated, community-based consultative clinic. Additionally, no similar correlation between serum B12 level and MMSE score is observed. Since all but one patient had adequate total vitamin B12 levels (⩾200 pg/ml) [17], overall poor nutrition seems unlikely to be responsible for either the low

Financial disclosures

Robert J. Przybelski, M.D., M.S.: Dr. Przybelski is a consult for Sangart Inc. Neil C. Binkley, M.D.: Dr. Binkley receives research support from P&G, Merck, Aventis, Novartis, Roche, Pfizer, and Eisai. He is a consultant for Merck, Lilly and Novartis and is on the speakers bureau for P&G and Merck.

Author contributions

Dr. Przybelski participated in the study concept and design, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of manuscript.

Dr. Binkley participated in the study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of manuscript.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contribution of data acquisition and technical assistance to this work by Diane Krueger and Sherry Brusda.

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