Aging. The bane of many humans past a certain age, isn’t it? It needn’t be with some positive lifestyle adjustments like making sure your vitamin D levels are proper. Johnson Chiropractic often coaches Richmond patients on nutritional issues, especially the positives of vitamin D. Here we are going to discuss the impact of vitamin D on aging issues like osteoporosis and cognitive function – since osteoporosis and dementia commonly occur in older folks - and even dementia.

First of all, vitamin D is a hormone. Did you know that? Most Richmond folks wouldn’t. It’s called VITAMIN D, isn’t it? Yes, but vitamin D is a hormone with a receptor on every cell of the body! Its deficiency is linked to a multitude of issues ranging from osteoporosis and osteopenia (which increases the risk of fracture) to MS, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia. (1)

It’s this link to dementia that Johnson Chiropractic wishes to emphasize to our Richmond chiropractic clients. Richmond’s population grows like the rest of the world, and the number of adults over 65 is going to more than double between 2012 and 2060. (2) That means there is going to be much more attention paid to issues related to aging like dementia and cognitive function.

What’s the link? Well, the answer involves the complex neuronal make up of the brain. Disruption of neuronal integrity (primarily in frontal regions of the brain) may lead to the loss of neuroprotective properties in cerebral ischemia and vascular lesions which restrict blood flow, oxygen and glucose to cells and contributes to memory issues. (3)

So why would your Richmond chiropractor be interested in dementia and cognitive decline? Physically frail patients often also have cognitive problems and dementia and vice versa. (4) If frail, you are more prone to fall. Falls lead to fractures. Johnson Chiropractic sees Richmond patients with fractures due to falls due to osteoporosis. So preventing dementia and cognitive decline is important to Johnson Chiropractic in the overall chiropractic treatment plan.

Since bone and calcium metabolism disorders are closely linked with dementia and osteoporosis is a disease of bone and calcium metabolism leading to fractures and falls, treating dementia patients for osteoporosis is imperative. (5) Johnson Chiropractic diagnoses osteoporosis and helps manage its risk factors in Richmond chiropractic patients with dementia or not.

A side note: taking vitamin D may even be an independent protecting factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. (6)

So vitamin D (along with calcium) supplementation is obviously important for brain health. Research suggests a wide range of supplementation doses. (7) The proper dose and vitamin D level is individually dependent, so let’s have a discussion about vitamin D at your next Richmond chiropractic appointment and ward off dementia, osteoporosis, and related fractures as best we can! Contact Johnson Chiropractic today.