Higher Vitamin D3 Levels Linked to Better Cognitive Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

In a cross-sectional study conducted in The Netherlands involving 225 older outpatients diagnosed as having probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) levels were associated with better scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Subjects with sufficient vitamin D status were found to have significantly higher MMSE scores, compared to subjects with vitamin D insufficiency. These results suggest that vitamin D status may be linked to cognitive function in persons diagnosed with probable AD. The authors conclude, "Further prospective studies are needed to specify the contribution of vitamin D status to the onset and course of cognitive decline and AD."

There is a growing body of research evidence pointing to the importance of Vitamin D (as D3). Unfortunately, most people are Vitamin D deficient. Aim for 20 minutes per day in the sun without sunscreen. Particularly during the winter, supplement with at least 1000 mg/day of Vitamin D in the form of D3.

Psychological Well-Being Influences Mortality

A new study conducted at University College in London and published in the current issue of Psychosomatic Medicine reviewed prospective, observational and cohort studies of the association between positive well-being and mortality using meta-analytic methods. Recent years have witnessed increased interest in the relationship between positive psychological well-being and physical health.

There were 35 studies investigating mortality in initially healthy populations and 35 studies of disease populations. The meta-analyses showed that positive psychological well-being was associated with reduced mortality in both the healthy population and the disease population. Both positive affect (e.g., emotional well-being, positive mood, joy, happiness, vigor, energy) and positive trait-like dispositions (e.g., life satisfaction, hopefulness, optimism, sense of humor) were associated with reduced mortality in healthy population studies. Positive psychological well-being was significantly associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality in healthy population studies, and with reduced death rates in patients with renal failure and with human immunodeficiency virus-infection.

This study is one additional confirmation of the strong connection between mind and body. Psychological well-being must not be overlooked when treating physical illnesses.