Can Vitamin D Prevent Depression and Alzheimer's Disease?

You've heard it many times before: prevention is key. That is why researchers, scientists, and doctors alike are searching for ways to prevent serious diseases. It shouldn't come as a surprise that more research than ever is being done to find preventative measures for depression and Alzheimer's. For a long time, it was believed that nothing could be done to prevent these diseases. Over time, though, there have been strong indicators that this is not actually the case. Don't believe it? Studies have shown that Vitamin D may be able to prevent them both.
Let's start by taking a closer look at these diseases. Depression is a mood disorder caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are many different types of depression, from bi-polar disorder and postpartum depression to clinical depression. Common symptoms include feeling sad, lethargic, withdrawn, or irritable. They may also cause someone to lose interest in hobbies, eating, or even sleeping. With an estimated 121 million people around the world dealing with various forms of depression, prevention would impact the lives of many.
When it comes to Alzheimer's, this serious degenerative brain disease typically occurs in men and women over the age of 65. It is currently thought to affect nearly 44 million people around the world. However, there are many people who have not yet been properly diagnosed. In addition, that number is expected to climb in the next several years. Alzheimer's disease is a serious problem as it eventually robs patients of memory function, personality, and independence. Sadly, there is not yet a cure.
So, the question remains: can vitamin D prevent depression and Alzheimer's disease? It just may! Over the last several years, research has been done to explore the various ways that vitamin D impacts the body. Since vitamin D receptors are found throughout the body (including the brain), taking a daily vitamin supplement or eating foods rich in the vitamin may be able to help. That's right, foods like fish, fortified dairy products, eggs, and mushrooms are all high sources of vitamin D...but how can they help prevent depression and Alzheimer's disease?
Well, it all has to do with brain health. In terms of depression, it is thought that a regular intake of vitamin D can stimulate the development of mood-elevating serotonin. This is believed to prevent and reduce the symptoms of depression. When it comes to Alzheimer's disease prevention, vitamin D is thought to both preserve brain health - and help to improve it. According to a study published in the journal, Fluids and Barriers of the CNS, this occurs for one reason. Vitamin D flushes out amyloid beta proteins from the brain. Since these amyloid proteins have been tied to the development of Alzheimer's disease and other serious degenerative brain disorders, vitamin D is a must!
With depression and Alzheimer's disease affecting the daily lives of so many people, prevention truly is key. To ward off these diseases and the associated symptoms, start paying closer attention to your diet. If you're ready to improve your mental and physical health, start with vitamin D!
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.