As Alaskans, we have all spent countless winters waiting for the sun to come back out. Many have heard of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D) and we have the lights, we go to the tanning salons for just a dash of UV to help boost our moods. Why does this help? The sunlight is known to be a major contributing factor to the body's ability to produce vitamin D and even just short bursts of sunlight can aid in your body to produce all the vitamin D it needs for the day. But those with kidney disease, liver disease or just those who sleep in and miss that sunlight window of time in the winter - all this can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. In a recent study done by the University of South Australia, new tests have shown to have a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and dementia in the elderly.
"Dementia is a progressive and debilitating disease that can devastate individuals and families alike.
Low levels of vitamin D were associated with lower brain volumes and an increased risk of dementia and stroke. Genetic analyses supported a casual effect of vitamin D deficiency and dementia. In some populations, as much as 17% of dementia cases might have been prevented by increasing everyone to normal levels of vitamin D (50 nmol/L)"
What does vitamin D even do for our brains? Vitamin D is neuroprotective (meaning it protects against or aids in repairing the damaging effects of stroke) and helps regulate the immune system and calcium balance. It is also involved with regulating many genes important for brain function. Although always thought of as just a vitamin, you know, one of those large pills we are supposed to swallow each morning and seem to multiply as we continue to age - vitamin D is actually a neurosteroid and plays major roles in the brain. Deficiencies of vitamin D have been linked to many neurological disorders such as depression, diabetes mellitus, autism, schizophrenia as well as dementia.
So does this mean there is hope that dementia is preventable? According to Professor Hypponen, the Senior investigator and Director of University South Australian Center for Precision Health:
"Vitamin D is a hormone precursor that is increasingly recognized for widespread effects, including on brain health, but until now it has been very difficult to examine what would happen if we were able to prevent vitamin D deficiency." she goes on to say "Most of us are likely to be ok, but for anyone who for whatever reason may not receive enough vitamin D from the sun, modifications to diet may not be enough, and supplementation may well be needed."
So there it is. Alaskan winters are long and their summers are short. Get out, enjoy the sun, soak it all in and if that's not enough - go fishing for some trout or salmon for dinner, for that extra boost of vitamin D. Need a note for your boss from your doctor's office stating you need to go fishing? "Its for science!" Unfortunately, I can't help you there... but you could always show them this post and who knows, maybe they'll join you!
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