Another study found that low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of cognitive impairment.  The researchers, who used information obtained from 3,325 study participants age 65 and older, used blood samples to determine vitamin D levels, and then compared the participants’ performance on tests that measured general cognitive function. The study found that study participants who were deficient in vitamin D were 42 more likely to develop cognitive impairment; those participants who were severely deficient were 395 percent more likely to have this mental decline.
    Another study which followed mice that were fed walnuts found that adding these nuts to the diet may have a beneficial effect on brain function.  Furthermore, those mice that were placed on a diet without walnuts had memory deficits, anxiety-related behavior, and learning impairment in several areas.
    What’s the take-away from this story? Although additional research is needed, these findings should give everyone who is worried about developing Alzheimer’s in their life additional information about how they can be proactive in opting for lifestyle choices (exercise and diet) in order to fend off this terrible disease.