Skipping that afternoon run outside to binge watch your favorite show? Think twice next time. A new study has found that low vitamin D levels significantly increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. Published in the journal, Neurology, the study tracked more than 1,600 people over the age of 65 for approximately 6 years. Researchers discovered that low vitamin D levels correlated with a 54% risk increase for dementia generally (or 120% if seriously deficient) and a 70% risk increase for Alzheimer’s specifically (125% if seriously deficient). While the results only indicate a correlation and not a cause-and-effect relationship, they are consistent with laboratory work showing that vitamin D clears plaque from the brain, which has been linked to dementia. The study is also the largest so far to report an association between dementia and low vitamin D levels.

Source: News Ledge and WebMD