What did the research discover?
This study explored the link between vitamin D levels and cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers studied 181 MS patients at Policlinico Federico II University Hospital in Naples, Italy, measuring their blood vitamin D levels and assessing their cognitive function using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). This test evaluates processing speed, verbal memory, and visual memory. Researchers also collected data on age, sex, education, MS severity, and treatments.
The findings showed that lower vitamin D levels were linked to worse cognitive function:
- Higher vitamin D levels were associated with better scores on cognitive tests.
- Patients with lower vitamin D levels performed worse in processing speed, verbal memory, and visual memory.
- More severe MS symptoms (measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS) were linked to lower vitamin D levels.
- These results remained unchanged even after considering depression, anxiety, and fatigue, suggesting an independent role for vitamin D in cognitive health.
How can I apply this information?
If you have multiple sclerosis, this study suggests that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may support cognitive function. Since low vitamin D is linked to worse cognitive performance and more severe MS symptoms, people with MS might benefit from monitoring and possibly supplementing vitamin D under medical guidance.
Because this study is cross-sectional (a snapshot in time), more research is needed to confirm whether taking vitamin D supplements could improve cognitive function in MS. However, these findings highlight the potential role of vitamin D in brain health, adding to existing evidence that it plays a role in MS progression and disease activity.
Source:
Spiezia AL, Falco F, Manganelli A, Carotenuto A, Petracca M, Novarella F, Iacovazzo C, Servillo G, Lanzillo R, Morra VB, Moccia M. Low serum 25‑hydroxy-vitamin D levels are associated with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. 2023 Nov 1;79:105044. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37837668/
