Vitamin D and the cognitive status: a narrative review

Abstract

Cognitive disorders and dementia are still one of the most important cause of death and major disability globally, having an enormous financial and social burden on the healthcare system worldwide. Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regulates neurotransmitters and neurotrophins, by increasing neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor which further promotes brain health. Moreover, it is also helpful in the prevention of amyloid accumulation and promotes amyloid clearance. Besides the classical risk factors, vitamin D has been researched and studied as an etiology, prognosis factor and maybe a treatment resource in cognitive disfunctions, especially in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Its neuroprotective, neuroplasticity and neurotrophic effects have been already demonstrated and so, the aim of this review was to focus on recent studies and trials in order to synthesize the evidence about the possible contribution of low vitamin D in the etiology of cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and the effect of vitamin D supplementation in prevention and treatment of these conditions.