Calcium supplements may increase risk of dementia

Calcium supplements may be associated with an increased risk of dementia in older women who have cerebrovascular disease or a stroke, says research in Neurology.

A total 700 women aged 70–92 years who did not have dementia were followed by researchers for five years.

Tests of memory and thinking were carried out at the beginning and end of the study, and scientists looked at use of calcium supplements and development of dementia during the study.

At the start of the study, 98 women were taking calcium supplements and 54 women had had a stroke. Over the five-year period, 54 more women had a stroke and 59 women developed dementia.

Results

The women who took calcium supplements were twice as likely to develop dementia than women who did not take supplements. Further analysis showed that the increased risk was only in women with cerebrovascular disease.

“As the author states, this is a small study and it is impossible to infer that the apparent increase in dementia is caused by the use of calcium supplementation,” says Prof Roger Francis, clinical advisor for the National Osteoporosis Society. “Although no research trials have specifically tested whether taking calcium supplements increases risk of dementia, none of the larger, well designed calcium supplement research studies have reported dementia as an adverse effect.

“Those already on supplements should not stop taking them as a result of this study but they may wish to discuss calcium supplements with their doctor or nurse.”

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