article = {NNB-2020-2-107}
title = {The ADeViD Study: Alzheimer’s Dementia and Vitamin D Study}
journal = {Neurology and Neurobiology}
year = {2020}
issn = {2613-7828}
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.NNB.2020.02.07}
url = {https://www.sciencerepository.org/the-adevid-study-alzheimer-s-dementia-and-vitamin-d-study_NNB-2020-2-107 
author = {Alberto Castagna,Carmen  Ruberto,Giovanni  Ruotolo,Giuseppe  Attisani,Laura  Greco,Raffaele  Costa,Rosa Paola  Cerra,}
keywords = {Hypovitaminosis D, elderly, Alzheimer’s disease}
abstract ={Introduction: Aging is associated with a large increase in the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. 25-
Hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, is the best indicator for vitamin D status. Its possible role in the pathogenesis
of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is particularly important. The
aim of the present study was to examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and
cognitive functions in a group of Italian elderly patients affected with AD.
Methods: We studied the relationship between 25(OH)D and cognitive functions assessed by MMSE (Mini
Mental State Examination) in 150 consecutive elderly patients (F 76 %, age 78,66+ 6,05 years old) attending
our Geriatric ambulatory for cognitive disorders with diagnosis of AD.
Results: In our sample hypovitaminosis D was present in 100% of the screened patients; 111 patients (74%)
had 25(OH)D serum levels inferior to 20 ng/ml; 39 (26%) patients had serum levels included between 20
and 30 ng/ml. After adjustment for age, gender, systolic blood pressure, education, cardiovascular diseases
and antihypertensive treatment, a significant relationship was observed between 25(OH)D and cognitive
status. MMSE appeared significantly higher in subjects with 25(OH)D serum levels ≥ 20 ng/ml than in those
with 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml (18,42+4,33 vs 12,22+4,44; p=0,000).
Conclusion: Our results showed a relationship between 25(OH)D and cognitive impairment in patients with
AD, suggesting that 25(OH)D could be involved in the onset of dementia.
}