Pill that costs 2p could massively reduce risk of dementia: Doctor urges adults to start taking it

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are terrible diseases, which sadly at the moment do not have a cure. Doctors are constantly trying to understand these diseases and are looking for ways to both treat and prevent them.

A new study has suggested that taking one type of supplement every day could massively reduce the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. The study suggests that maintaining your vitamin D levels is the way to limit the chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Taking vitamin D supplements could prevent dementia

According to Express, a doctor is urging people to start taking vitamin D supplements in order to limit the risk of developing dementia as per a new study. Typically, vitamin D is taken during autumn and winter to compensate for the lack of sunlight and maintain healthy bones and muscles.

However, a study conducted in France has shown that people with vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L are almost 3 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. As per Express, over 60% of the UK is under these levels.

Moreover, another study that was published earlier this year involved over 12,000 participants aged 70 and over who didn’t have dementia,37% of the participants were taking vitamin D supplements and the results showed a 40% decrease in the occurrence of dementia.

Vitamin D supplements can be cheap

Vitamin D supplements can be found cheap at local drugstores such as Boots and Superdrug, in the former, you can buy a pack of 180 tablets for £4, which comes to 2p per pill, in the latter, you can get a pack of 90 ‘high strength’ tablets for £4.99, as per Express.

Dr William Grant, who’s an advisor to charity foodforthebrain.org, weighed in on the subject and explained that many people still underestimate the benefits of taking vitamin D. He told Gloucestershire Live:

All the evidence regarding cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases and pregnancy outcomes shows that you need a blood level of vitamin D above 75 nmol/L to be healthy, and the same is proving true for the brain.

Naturally, before taking any form of supplement or lifestyle change, it is best to talk to your GP first.

Read more:

⋙ NHS could introduce new vaccine, check if your child would need to get it

⋙ Dementia: These are the first symptoms of young onset dementia

⋙ Alzheimer’s dementia: Afternoon naps may be an early sign of the disease

Sources used:

Express: ‘Doctor urges all adults to take ‘2p’ pill after new study finds it can slash dementia risk’

Gloucestershire Live: ‘Doctor urging all adults to take '2p' pill to slash risk of dementia’

News Medical: ‘Vitamin D supplementation may reduce future dementia risk, study suggests’