New Study Shows Surprising Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Young-Onset Dementia

If you thought dementia and Alzheimer’s only affected those in their twilight years, you may be surprised to know that early-onset dementia in people younger than 65 has doubled between 2013-2017, according to data collected by insurance provider Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have noted that the average age of someone experiencing early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s under 65, is 49 years old and women are disproportionately more affected than men.

There is new research that has identified 15 lifestyle factors that contribute to early-onset dementia. One of the easiest to remediate is a finding of low vitamin D levels. Approximately 35% of adults in the U.S. are deficient in vitamin D.

The large-scale study that identified these 15 lifestyle factors contributing to this phenomena was published in JAMA Neurology and analyzed data from over 356,000 people under the age of 65. (Find the study by clicking Jama Neurology above.) Vitamin D deficiency was only one of the 15 lifestyle factors identified, but one of the simplest to treat.

Another study, FOUND HERE, compared dementia onset in those who took vitamin D supplements and those who didn’t. This particular study included over twelve thousand participants. One surprising discovery made was that vitamin D supplementation seemed to offer better results (40% lower incidents compared to those who did NOT supplement vitamin D) to people who began PRIOR to developing any cognition impairment. “Vitamin D effects were significantly greater in females versus males and in normal cognition versus mild cognitive impairment,” the authors wrote.

THIS IS GREAT NEWS FOR ALL OF US!!

What this means in a nutshell, is that we have very simple and DO-able action steps to improve our brain health and avoid early-onset dementia and memory loss.

• Spend more time outdoors in sunshine

• eat foods like fatty fish, fortified foods

• Take a QUALITY vitamin D supplement (usually NOT found in grocery stores!)

Vitamin D can have tricky absorption issues. Give us a call or ask us next time you’re in for an adjustment which vitamin D supplement is right for you and your unique situation. We have liquid forms which can be easier to absorb for some, and unique blends that include other “helper” vitamins that encourage your body to absorb more of the D into the cells.

(Read the full article by CLICKING HERE)

PRICING CHANGES COMING SOON!

As with every business, PCW must periodically adjust its pricing structure to keep with rising costs of doing business. If you are part of our Monthly Wellness Club, you will see no change to your current pricing structure. If you’re interested in joining the Wellness Club, here is the cost breakdown:

Effective February 19th, the Single Visit and New Patient payment structures will be:

• New Patient First Appointment price (we do not file insurance and all payments are due at time of service) ages 0-17 and over 65: $40

• New Patient First Appointment price (we do not file insurance and all payments are due at time of service) ages 18-64: $60

• Single Visit follow-up appointments ages 0-17 and over 65: $30

• Single Visit follow-up appointments ages 18-64: $45

Effective April 1st, Package Pricing* will be adjusted to the following:

Ages 0-17 AND 65+:

• 5 visits: $140 ($28/visit)

• 10 visits: $260 (26/visit)

• 25 visits: $625 ($25/visit) — Popular HSA/FSA option!

Ages 18-64:

• 5 visits: $200 ($40/visit)

• 10 visits: $360 ($36/visit)

• 25 visits: $850 ($34/visit) — Popular HSA/FSA option!

*Package visits never expire and can be used in either office at any time. They are NON-TRANSFERABLE after purchase. If you wish to purchase a package of 10 or more visits and want to split them with a family member in the same price range, this must be done at time of purchase.

In Health,

Dr. Shawn, Dr. Kayla, Maddy, Malarie, and Charlene