D for dementia

A vitamin D supplement might help, but a healthy diet and active lifestyle may be our best defence against cognitive decline in older age

Question:

The "Nutrition Bite" about vitamin D and dementia (April 1) was worrying. Does the study imply that all people over 70 should take a vitamin D supplement to prevent dementia or only people in the Northern Hemisphere? If it is that effective, why is it not in the general advice list, like exercise and socialising, to avoid or delay dementia?

Answer:

About 70,000 New Zealanders are living with dementia today, but that number is predicted to grow to 170,000 by 2050 as our population steadily ages. And the effects of dementia are widely felt, with Alzheimers New Zealand's 2021 Dementia Economic Impact Report estimating that partners of people living with dementia provide over one million hours of unpaid care each week. That burden can cause stress, depression and a range of other health complications for carers. Undoubtedly, then, maintaining our cognitive health in later life is a priority, so what should we do?