The effect of vitamin D on neurocognitive functions in older vitamin D deficient adults: a pilot longitudinal interventional study

Abstract

BackgroundThe relationship between vitamin D and cognitive status remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D replacement on cognitive functions in healthy and cognitively intact vitamin D deficient older females.MethodsThis study was designed as a prospective interventional study. A total of 30 female adults aged ≥60 with a serum 25 (OH) vitamin D level of <10 ng/ml were included. Participants were administered 50 000 IU vitamin D3 weekly for 8 weeks followed by a maintenance therapy of 1000 U/day. Detailed neuropsychological assessment was performed prior to vitamin D replacement and repeated at 6 months by the same psychologist.ResultsMean age was 63 ± 6.7 years and baseline vitamin D level was 7.8 ± 2.0 (range: 3.5–10.3) ng/ml. At 6 months, vitamin D level was 32.5 ± 3.4 (32.2–55) ng/ml. The Judgement of Line Orientation Test (P = 0.04), inaccurate word memorizing of the Verbal Memory Processes Test (P = 0.02), perseveration scores of the Verbal Memory Processes Test (P = 0.005), topographical accuracy of the Warrington Recognition Memory Test (P = 0.002), and the spontaneous self‐correction of an error in the Boston Naming Test (P = 0.003) scores increased significantly, while the delayed recall score in the Verbal Memory Processes Test (P = 0.03), incorrect naming of words in the Boston Naming Test (P = 0.04), interference time of the Stroop Test (P = 0.05), and spontaneous corrections of the Stroop Test (P = 0.02) scores decreased significantly from baseline.ConclusionVitamin D replacement has a positive effect on cognitive domains related to visuospatial, executive, and memory processing functions.