Currently there are 55 million people in the world living with dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect the memory, and social abilities of a human being. This is a condition in which an individual's cognitive functioning declines and this consequently affects the daily life of the individual. It is mostly seen in older individuals but its occurrence has also been seen in young ones.
As per the data shared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), currently there are 55 million people in the world living with dementia and nearly 10 million new cases are being reported every year.
Not just this, dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and is a major cause of disability and dependency among older people world wide.
Several research studies have found different factors behind this condition. A recent study has thrown light on a particular type of deficiency which it says can affect the cognitive functioning of millions of people.
What does the research study say about dementia?
The study, led by a team at the University of Australia, has found that maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D can actually prevent the onset of cognitive impairment as seen in dementia. Establishing a link between vitamin D deficiency and dementia, the study found that a lower level of vitamin D can also lead to stroke.
The study found that as many as 17% of dementia cases can be prevented just by increasing the level of vitamin D.
The importance of the sunshine vitamin
How does vitamin D help in preventing dementia?
Vitamin D protects the brain from damage. While the entire body uses a particular mechanism to clear out the toxic waste, sometimes due to several complications these wastes get collected in between the neurons, thus disrupting communication between cells.
Vitamin D is believed to be having neuroprotective properties using which it shields the brain from damage.
Vitamin D is also composed of neurosteroids which help in brain function.
Vitamin D deficiency can affect the neurons of the brain and can lead to several neurological issues.
While there is no treatment available for dementia, early diagnosis can help in proper management of the condition.
Why are millions at risk?
This is because worldwide a huge chunk of the population is deficient in vitamin D. As per a 2021 report, close to 1 billion people worldwide are affected by vitamin D deficiency and half of these people have vitamin D insufficiency.
With such a huge number of people already deficient in one of the essential vitamins required for the brain, people must get their vitamin D levels checked up regularly. Instead of solely relying on supplements people should get sun exposure so that the vitamin is naturally produced in the body.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
The various signs and symptoms associated with dementia are:
forgetfulness
losing track of time
not able to feel familiar in familiar places
getting confused often
increasing difficulty in communicating with people
looking for assistance in doing basic personal work
change in behaviour
difficulty in walking
difficulty in remembering names of close people
