Other news for: Aging Alzheimer Disease Dietary Supplements Parkinson Disease Vitamins Resources from HONselect Parkinson's Patients More Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency Study found their levels were lower than Alzheimer's patients, healthy controls By Robert Preidt MONDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Parkinson's disease patients are more likely than healthy people or Alzheimer's patients to have vitamin D deficiency, say researchers from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. They compared vitamin D levels in 100 Parkinson's patients, 97 Alzheimer's patients, and 99 healthy people matched for age and other factors. "Significantly more patients with Parkinson's disease [55 percent] had insufficient vitamin D than did controls [36 percent] or patients with Alzheimer's disease [41 percent]," the researchers wrote. The average vitamin D concentration among Parkinson's patients was 31.9 nanograms per milliliter, compared with 34.8 nanograms among Alzheimer's patients, and 37 nanograms among healthy people. The study was published in the October issue of the Archives of Neurology . "These findings support the previously suggested need for further studies to assess what contribution a low 25 (OH)D [a measure of blood vitamin D levels] concentration adds to the risk of developing Parkinson's disease [vs. other neurodegenerative disorders] and to determine whether correction of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency will improve motor or non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease," the study authors concluded. "Finally, the finding of a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the Parkinson's disease and other cohorts highlights the importance of routinely checking the level of 25(OH)D, particularly in elderly patients, since deficiency is strongly associated with a higher incidence of osteoporosis, falls and hip fractures and has been associated with a higher incidence of several forms of cancer and autoimmune disorders," the researchers added. More information We Move has more about Parkinson's disease . SOURCE: JAMA/Archives journals, news release, Oct. 13, 2008 Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC . All rights reserved.URL:http://www.healthscout.com/template.asp?id=620256 Resources from HONselect: HONselect is the HON's medical search engine. It retrieves scientific articles, images, conferences and web sites on the selected subject. The list of medical terms above are retrieved automatically from the article. Disclaimer: The text presented on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is for your information only and may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Be advised that HealthDay articles are derived from various sources and may not reflect your own country regulations. The Health On the Net Foundation does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in HealthDay articles.

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Last modified:  Oct 13 2008

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