Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Alzheimer’s and Many Other Diseases

By Laura Beyer

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to get outside and enjoy a little sunshine. There’s a reason why a little time outside on a sunny day can lift our spirits and give us a boost of energy. Sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is produced in your skin from direct exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is important in regulating calcium absorption which leads to healthy teeth and bones as well as strengthening resistance to certain diseases. However, many healthy adults have a deficiency in vitamin D. According to a study published by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, vitamin D deficiency is “extremely prevalent among the elderly and is associated with a higher risk of fracture”. It can also have an impact on the immune system, contribute to depression and fatigue.

An estimated 40 – 75% of all adults are vitamin D deficient. Senior citizens are typically more prone to vitamin D deficiency due to their diet and a lack of outdoor activity. While few foods contain the vitamin naturally, several foods are fortified with it. Foods with naturally occurring Vitamin D include egg yolks, shrimp, sardines, salmon and beef liver while fortified foods include milk, yogurt, orange juice and cereals. Vitamin D is produced naturally in the body by direct exposure to the sun. Research suggests that as little as 10 – 15 minutes of sun exposure to untreated skin (no sunscreen) can be sufficient in providing a healthy dose of this essential vitamin. However, as we age, the skin can become less efficient at converting sunlight to vitamin D.

Due to the difficulty in getting enough vitamin D many seniors are often found to be deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can be linked with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer and may also help in the prevention of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypertension and cognitive decline. A study by the University of Exeter Medical School has found that a deficiency in vitamin D substantially increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. “We expected to find an association between low Vitamin D levels and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but the results were surprising – we actually found that the association was twice as strong as we anticipated.” Dr. David Llewellyn, University of Exeter Medical School. Vitamin D Study Press Release

Even with exposure to ultra violet rays and eating foods containing the vitamin it can still be difficult to get the recommended amount of Vitamin D each day. The National Institute of Health recommends 600 IU (International Units) per day for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU for adults over the age of 70. NIH Recommendations Several sources suggest that even higher daily amounts, some up to 2000 IU, are needed, particularly for those over age 50. A simple blood test is all that is needed for your health care provider to determine deficiency. If a deficiency is found, they can recommend the right supplement for you and while the sun is shining bright this summer make sure to take the time to get outside and enjoy!

At Cambrian Senior Living, with locations in Tecumseh and South Lyon, Michigan, seniors are given many opportunities to soak in the sunshine to promote the regulation of their calcium absorption. With various courtyards throughout, comfortable seating is made available to allow for enjoyment of the luscious landscaping, fragrant flowers, as well as the beautiful creatures who come and go.   Indoor sunroom spaces allow the rays to shine through the abundance of windows panes also enough to benefit your vitamin D needs.  And, the robust life enrichment programming at Cambrian Senior Living includes a long list of fun excursions that get seniors outside and active. Our summer calendar includes fishing, strolling through Hidden Lake Gardens, a Toledo Mudhens baseball game, attending the county fair, going to Clarklake Beach and Boat Club, and many more activities along these lines. We also fire up the bbq grill and picnic outside every Friday for lunch. So, if you’d like to learn more about living life to its fullest, and Cambrian’s daily promotion of wellness, contact Laura Beyer at 517-423-5300. Or check out our website, www.CambrianSeniorLiving.com.