Vitamin D in the development and progression of alzheimer’s disease: implications for clinical management

F. Panza, M. La Montagna, L. Lampignano, R. Zupo, I. Bortone, F. Castellana, R. Sardone, L. Borraccino, V. Dibello, E. Resta, M. Altamura, A. Daniele, M. Lozupone

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Introduction: Although the pathophysiological bases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain incompletely understood and disease-modifying therapies are not available, intervention on modifiable risk factors is warranted. Research on nutrition and dietary components is challenging and controversies still persist about the role of micro- and macronutrients and health outcomes in dementia. Importantly, results of preclinical investigations have shown that vitamin D triggers different neural pathways that may be protective against these neurodegenerative mechanisms, including the deposition of amyloid plaques, inflammatory processes, neurofibrillary degeneration, glutamatergic excitotoxicity, excessive intraneuronal calcium influx, and oxidative stress, although its relationship with AD still needs to be fully understood. Areas covered: The authors analyzed the recent evidence about the effects of vitamin D insufficiency on AD and the role of supplementation. Expert opinion: Both insufficient (25–49.9 ng/ml) and deficient levels (<25 ng/ml) of vitamin D may contribute to an increased susceptibility to AD. However, further well-designed prospective studies are needed for a better understanding of the involvement of low vitamin D concentrations in the AD natural history. Randomized clinical trials will also be necessary to address the issue of causality and determine whether vitamin D supplementation may be effective for the prevention or treatment of AD.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)287-301
JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics
Volume21
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Funding

This paper was not funded. The authors thank the MICOL Study group and the “Salus in Apulia” Research Team. This manuscript is the result of the research work undertaken by the “Research Network on Aging” team, supported by the resources of the Italian Ministry of Health–Research Networks of National Health Institutes. The authors thank MV. Pragnell for her precious help as a native English supervisor.

FundersFunder number
National Institutes of Health
Ministero della Salute

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