Parkinson's disease (PD), a common disease of the elderly, is a movement disorder characterized by tremor, akinesia, and loss of postural reflexes, leading to immobility and frequent falls. It results from selective loss (death) of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain, largely developed prior to clinical diagnosis, and continuous after diagnosis, despite use of current therapeutic modalities. In PD in the United States the cause and mechanism of continued neuron cell death in the substantia nigra is currently unknown.
Researchers presented considerable evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a cause, and possibly the major cause, of Parkinson's disease. The researchers reviewed a 1997 case report in which a patient with Parkinson's disease steadily improved when treated daily with 4,000 IU of vitamin D.
We hypothesize, based upon several lines of evidence, that documented chronically inadequate vitamin D intake in the United States, particularly in the northern states and particularly in the elderly, is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of PD. This hypothesis implies that dietary aid for prevention and therapy for PD is possible.
Harold L. Newmark, DSc (Hon), Jonathan Newmark, MD; Vitamin D and Parkinson's disease - A hypothesis; Movement Disorders; Published Online: 17 Jan 2007; DOI: 10.1002/mds.21317.