Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

KiwiGal — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:15:44 GMT

I understand why Vitamin D would be lacking in people these days; a lot of organised sports are played indoors, the large backyards for children to play in have disappeared and they now spend most of their time shut in their rooms on their computers. Where I disagree with Dr Mercola, however, is the way Vitamin D is absorbed. From what I have learned it is the ultra-violet light that needs to be absorbed through the eyes to the pituitary gland, which then turns it into Vitamin D for the body to use. You only need an hour or less per day of natural light for enough to be absorbed. But what happens these days is that we're encouraged to protect our eyes from the sun's rays and so the minute we step outside (or into our cars), the shades go on and the eyes are blocked from absorbing the ultra-violet light. I've even seen babies with sunglasses on!

So keep covering up to protect the skin from potential skin cancer, but leave those sunglasses off until the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its brightest. For those who are bedridden, or cannot get outside for any other reason - and for those who live in Northern countries with long, dark winters, the Bioptron light (full spectrum,polarised) is a wonderful replacement with all-round healing properties.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

AmbarRN — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:40:36 GMT

My mother died of Alz. Disease. There were many factors- alcohol, smoking, etc., but for many years she lived in a cold climate and the source of heat was ceiling heat, which is essentially wires run back and forth in the ceiling. The emf with ceiling heat is very close to the head. I think research needs to be done on ceiling heat. I have it here in my apartment, but I don't use it, I use space heaters.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

iqbalsunderji — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:00:08 GMT

iqbal

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

LoriJean — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:58:50 GMT

Has anyone ever heard of "Melaleuca??" We use Melaleuca Vitamins, as does my mother-in-law. Check the website, melaleuca.com for product information. The vitamins are made from organically grown plants and have absolutely no fillers in them at all. They are 100% natural. This goes with their skin care products, make up, cleaning supplies, detergents, fabric softeners etc., etc. Melaleuca is based in the United States in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

amyqmaxwell — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:25:22 GMT

Nature's Sunshine carries a Vitimin D3 that I've been taking for the last year. Really helps during the winter months and I also took it while pregnant and nursing. Great quality product!

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

stanleva — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:09:15 GMT

For years i suffered with depression, extreme fatigue and constant pain all over my body. Five weeks ago my new doctor tested my blood for iron and vitamin D. My vitamin D level was 33. I have taken a prescription strength vitamin D for four weeks. After the first week I suddenly realized that may body didn't hurt!! I was afraid to believe it could be so simple after going to doctor after doctor all these years. I feel so much better. I now have the energy to do something besides sit in a chair. I am urging my family and friends to have this simple blood test.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

suetrump — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:59:15 GMT

Sunshine is a full spectrum color exposure. One that feeds the body on many levels. 15 minutes a day in indirect sunlight is really good. Do this without glasses, sunglasses or contacts so the eyes can absorb this magical light too. No sunscreen! Long sleeved shirts and hat for longer exposure. I at the beach a toxic free sunscreen is the only kind to use.

Sunshine is a wonderful low calorie diet. Enjoy!

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

buffalo44 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:20:38 GMT

I still have to cringe at the idea of being advised to use a "safe tanning bed". There isn't any such thing.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

swimmom — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:11:30 GMT

I found Vit D3 in a coconut oil base and got my reading from 33 to 63 in a month by taking 5000 IU a day. Sunshine when possible too. It feels good to be in the healthy zone.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

Krispy Poodle — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:42:38 GMT

I have been suspicious of Vitamin D3 deficiency as one factor in my mother's dementia, osteo-arthritis and eventual death. Sadly she died in March but she always avoided the sun or wore sunscreen and in the nursing home where she spent 4 1/2 years they seldom see the light of the sun nor feel its warmth on their skin. Mom also religiously got her flu shot every autumn for as many as 40 years and by the way, was "immunized" against pneumonia but guess what she died of? Pneumonia. She also suffered from IBS but never knew it as such and now that I have eliminated grains from my diet I think I know the cause of her intestinal complaints but not one doctor ever suggested testing her for Celiacs. I do despair with our medical profession because it seems they simply are poorly informed and cannot take the time to really care for the humans they are seeing. There is no promise of improvement with suggested "fixes" for our medical system, so we really must follow Mercola's dictum to "Take Charge of Your Health".

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

curious7 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:39:07 GMT

As many reasons and causes for this or that ailment come to light, one has to be cautious not to loose sight of the basics. Fresh air, and I know our air is anything but clean, but better out of doors, SUNSHINE, clean water, exercise, sweat no fewer that three days a week, a good spiritual posture, rest at the proper time, and a good balanced diet. More fresh raw whole fruits, and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are organic and local. Skip the imported produce whenever possible. Start your own garden, small at first enlarge as knowledge increases. Drop the alcohol, and get rid of the tobacco habit.

There are many contributing factors in the Alzheimers puzzle, and as best we can, TAKE CARE OF THE BASICS.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

CandiceTzur — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:00:57 GMT

Does anyone know if comparisons been made on people living in colder climates as apposed to warmer climates? Does the likelihood of altzheimers and other vitamen D related illness grow in colder countries?

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

Running_Stick — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:24:38 GMT

Thanks Dr. M for this important info on Vit D.

re: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Alzheimer's Disease?

KelleyEidem — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:41:41 GMT

For the longest time, with all the good things vitaamin D does for us, it was just sort of overwhelming trying to keep it all in mind. Tonight, it finally dawned on me...I don't need to remember everything it does - I just need to take it!

The vitamin D will know what to do even if I can't recall it all! Please forgive us slow learners...we're slow. LOL