By michael - January, 20th 2014

A new study exploring vitamin D levels in patients with Parkinson's disease opens up the possibility of a new avenue of early intervention that may delay or prevent the onset of cognitive impairment and depression. Healthy vitamin D levels may lead to better memory and depression-free life in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD).

Vitamin D is known to benefit our health by regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body – which helps keep our bones and teeth healthy. But new research suggests that for people with Parkinson's disease, the vitamin may help prevent or delay the onset of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms.

According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, around 60% of patients with Parkinson's disease suffer from depression, and the research team, including Dr. Amie L. Peterson of the Oregon Health and Sciences University, states that around 30% have cognitive impairment or dementia.

In the background of their study, findings of which are published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, the investigators say previous research has found that vitamin D appears to play an important role in the central nervous system, assisting with neurodevelopment and stabilizing mitochondrial function.

With this in mind, the investigators decided to see how vitamin D levels affected …

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