19 Aug Calcium Supplements May Raise Risk of Dementia in Elderly Women with Cerebrovascular Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Silke Kern
Silke Kern, MD, PhD
Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit and Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory
Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry
Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology
Sahlgrenska Academy
University of Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Calcium has an important role in ischemic neuronal cell death and atherosclerosis. Several studies suggest that increased serum calcium increases the risk for vascular events and worsens the outcome after stroke. Widespread ischemic neuronal cell death and atherosclerosis might lead to dementia. We therefore examined if Calcium supplementation is associated with development of dementia. Our study is the first to show a relationship between Calcium supplementation and increased risk for dementia in older women. This risk is mainly confined to women with cerebrovascular disease (history of stroke or presence of white matter lesions).
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: As this was an observational study, these findings need to be replicated before any recommendations can be made. Our study shows that Calcium supplementation may increase the risk of developing dementia in elderly women with cerebrovascular disease. In women with cerebrovascular disease and osteoporosis, women can discuss this new information with their clinicians. Clinicians may then consider this new information and assess risks and benefits in each individual patient.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
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Last Updated on August 20, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD