Calcium Supplements Do Not Increase Long-Term Risk for Dementia in Older Women

Strategic Insights -

Research from Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, and the University of Western Australia has found no evidence that calcium monotherapy increases the long-term risk for dementia in older women. A study of 1,460 women over a five-year period, which provided calcium supplements or a placebo, found that the supplement did not increase the long-term risk of dementia. This study aims to alleviate previous concerns about the potential negative effects of calcium supplements on brain health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found no evidence that calcium monotherapy increases the long-term risk for dementia in older women, contrary to previous concerns.
  • The study consisted of a post-hoc analysis from a 5-year double-blind, placebo controlled randomised clinical trial on calcium supplements to prevent fracture.
  • The analysis was adjusted for supplement compliance, a range of lifestyle factors, including dietary calcium intake and genetic risk, which remained unchanged.
  • The study involved 730 older women who were given calcium supplements over five years, and a further 730 who were given a placebo.
  • The long follow-up period of 14.5 years strengthens the results, which were conducted over a period of five years.
  • Professor Simon Laws, Director of ECU's Centre for Precision Health, emphasized the need for further research to confirm the current findings and address population gaps.
  • Professor Blossom Stephan, a Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor, highlighted a very important finding that provides reassurance to clinicians and patients about the long-term safety of calcium supplementation.

Statistics:

  • 1,460 women participated in the study over a five-year period.
  • The study found that the calcium supplement did not increase the long-term risk of dementia.
  • 730 older women were given calcium supplements, and a further 730 were given a placebo.
  • The long follow-up period of 14.5 years was conducted over a period of five years.
  • The study adjusted for supplement compliance, a range of lifestyle factors, including dietary calcium intake and genetic risk.

Sources:

  • Edith Cowan University
  • Curtin University
  • University of Western Australia
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest