This ecological analysis that used data from 204 countries found that lower ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are associated with higher dementia incidence rates worldwide, suggesting a critical role for UVR in mitigating dementia risk. The analysis found a significant inverse correlation between UVR and dementia incidence, which persisted after adjusting for confounding factors. According to the author, “UVR, through both vitamin D-dependent and independent mechanisms, influences physiological processes essential for brain health, such as reducing neuroinflammation, improving sleep regulation, and enhancing neuroplasticity.”
Brain & Mood
The Protective Role of Ambient Ultraviolet Radiation Against Dementia: An Ecological Analysis of Global Data
Health Science Reports
Related Studies
Brain & Mood
Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
The British Journal of Psychiatry
Vitamin D is involved in various brain processes, and vitamin D receptors are present on neurons and glia in areas of the brain thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 observational studies, that included a total of 31,424 adults, found that there were lower vitamin D levels in people with depression compared with controls, and there was an increased odds ratio of depression for the lowest v. highest vitamin D categories.
Brain & Mood
Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
The British Journal of Psychiatry
Vitamin D is involved in various brain processes, and vitamin D receptors are present on neurons and glia in areas of the brain thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 observational studies, that included a total of 31,424 adults, found that there were lower vitamin D levels in people with depression compared with controls, and there was an increased odds ratio of depression for the lowest v. highest vitamin D categories.
Brain & Mood
Narrow-band ultraviolet B radiation induces the expression of β-endorphin in human skin in vivo
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Sub-erythema narrowband UVB exposure can cause a meaningful increase in Beta endorphins in human skin 24 hours after exposure. Beta-endorphin is primarily utilized in the body to reduce stress and pain and has also been shown to positively impact depression and mental health.
Brain & Mood
Narrow-band ultraviolet B radiation induces the expression of β-endorphin in human skin in vivo
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Sub-erythema narrowband UVB exposure can cause a meaningful increase in Beta endorphins in human skin 24 hours after exposure. Beta-endorphin is primarily utilized in the body to reduce stress and pain and has also been shown to positively impact depression and mental health.
Brain & Mood
Vitamin D and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly U.S. Population
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A | Oxford Academic
This study using data from 3,325 adults aged 65 and older found that people with lower vitamin D levels had a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Compared to those with sufficient vitamin D, the risk was similar for those with slightly low levels, 1.4 times higher for those with a deficiency, and nearly 4 times higher for those with severe deficiency. The overall trend was statistically significant.
Brain & Mood
Vitamin D and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly U.S. Population
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A | Oxford Academic
This study using data from 3,325 adults aged 65 and older found that people with lower vitamin D levels had a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Compared to those with sufficient vitamin D, the risk was similar for those with slightly low levels, 1.4 times higher for those with a deficiency, and nearly 4 times higher for those with severe deficiency. The overall trend was statistically significant.