correlation between vitamin D and cognition: a review

Background: During the last 25 years, vitamin D -being a member of the superfamily of nuclear steroid transcription regulators - has emerged as a serious candidate in nervous system development and function and a therapeutic tool in a number of neurological pathologies. More recently, experimental and pre-clinical data suggest a link between vitamin D status and cognitive function. Human studies strongly support a correlation between low levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH]D] and cognitive impairment or dementia in aging populations. In parallel, animal studies show that supplementation with vitamin D is protective against biological processes associated with Alzheimer's disease [AD] and enhances learning and memory performance in various animal models of aging and AD. More recently epidemiological associations have been made between low vitamin D and psychiatric disorders not typically associated with abnormalities in brain development such as depression and Alzheimer's disease

Aim of the Study: was to review the recent literature to investigate the correlation between vitamin D status and neurocognitive function

Methods: We searched the medical literature to retrieve studies for the review to 30 November 2017. electronic search in the scientific database from 1965 to 2017- [Medline, Embase, AMED, Psych INFO, the Cochrane Library websites were searched for English Publications were obtained from both reprint requests and by searching the database. Data extracted included authors, country, year of publication, characteristics of patients, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, different diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities

Conclusion: Accumulating evidence in the current literature indicate that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among patients with cognitive impairment, and that low vitamin D status may negatively impact cognition and that hypovitaminosis D is usually associated with increased risk of developing AD and dementia. Nevertheless, while vitamin D supplementation is safe for those with cognitive impairment, there is no solid proof that they will see significant improvement in their symptoms

Features of menopause and menopausal age among Saudi women

Background: Menopause is the estimated end of reproductive life. Having a positive attitude towards it has been shown to outcome in a positive experience, whereas a negative attitude is connected with negative experiences and symptoms. Conventionally, women regularly abstain from sex after menopause

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and perceptions about the menopause and sex in perimenopausal women attending a general outpatient clinic

Methods: Women over 40 years were enlisted from the Family Medicine Department of King Abdulaziz Hospital, excluding those who were menopausal. Data analyses were done with chi-square test [P<0.05]. The study was done according to the ethical board of Umm Al Qura university

Results: Most [151; 85.8%] of the 176 surveyed participants were aware of the menopause. Only 36.1% anticipated associated symptoms. About half [55.68%] were indifferent to menopause onset, while 23.3% had a positive attitude and 21.11% had a negative attitude, respectively. Younger women were less likely to have a positive attitude to the menopause [P=0.04]. There were negative cultural beliefs towards sex. Sexual activity was low and declined with age [P<0.001]. Many women would like treatment to improve their sexual activity

Conclusion: Most participants had a favourable disposition towards the menopause, though sexual relationships suffer. Counselling and treatment should be offered