Scientists have just debunked the calcium and dementia myth

The research was based on data from a previous project that included 1,460 elderly women who were randomly assigned to receive either calcium supplements or a placebo for five years. The researchers found that nutritional supplements do not increase the risk of dementia in the long term.

“Calcium supplements are often recommended to prevent or manage osteoporosis,” said ECU PhD student Nigar Qasimifard.

About 20% of women over the age of 70 have osteoporosis, and calcium is widely recommended to help prevent bone fractures.

“Previous research has raised concerns about the effects that calcium supplements can have on cognitive health, especially dementia. The results of our study provide reassurance to patients and clinicians regarding the safety of calcium supplements in the context of dementia risk in older women,” Ms Qasimifred said.

According to ECU Senior Research Fellow Dr Mark Sim, even after adjusting for supplement use, diet, lifestyle factors and genetic risk, the results did not change.

“Previous research suggesting possible links between calcium supplement use and risk of dementia has been purely observational in nature. In comparison, our research consisted of a post hoc analysis of a 5-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial on calcium supplements to prevent fractures. While our study is still epidemiological, its design minimizes the possibility of Unmeasurable confusion.

“About 730 elderly women were given calcium supplements over five years, and another 730 women were given a placebo. This study design provides more precise data on dose and duration, and we had a longer follow-up period of 14.5 years, which strengthens our results,” said Dr. Sim.

Professor Simon Laws, Director of ECU’s Center for Precision Health, said that although the findings suggest that calcium does not increase the risk of dementia in older women, especially those over 80, more studies are needed.

“Whether this applies to other demographics, such as men or even women who start taking supplements earlier in life, remains unknown. To confirm the current findings, especially with regard to brain health, and to address these population gaps, future clinical trials of calcium supplements, with or without vitamin D, should be conducted. These should include specific and robust assessments of brain health as outcome measures.” “primary.”

Professor Blossom Stephen, honorary medical advisor to Dementia Australia, said the research highlighted a very important finding that provides reassurance to doctors and patients about the long-term safety of calcium supplements.

“Given the critical role of calcium in multiple physiological functions, including bone health, these results provide reassurance that long-term calcium supplementation does not increase the risk of dementia in older women,” she said.