Tips for Health and Longevity: My Take on the Evidence

The prevalence of dementia is increasing in line with the ageing of the UK population, making research into potential preventative measures fundamental in preserving quality of life for the elderly. It is frequently suggested that vitamin D may reduce risk of neurodegenerative diseases [1], yet a recent study by Olsson et al. found no association between vitamin D and incident dementia or cognitive impairment  [2] . From evaluating the wider literature, particularly considering the quality of the published research, it has been found that there is not sufficient evidence to make a definite conclusion . Nonetheless, it could be said to be beneficial for all older adults to take a daily vitamin D supplement to prevent deficiency, which would have adverse effects on skeletal health, resulting in functional decline. This action may allow for neuroprotective effects attributed to vitamin D to also be obtained. Dementia is a term that describes a set of symptoms that result from da...

Current statistics show UK alcohol consumption to be on the decline, potentially due to its frequently reported association with adverse health consequences. However, it has been suggested that drinking in moderation may also offer protective effects against chronic disease. A recent study by Horst et al. found low-to-moderate and more frequent alcohol consumption to reduce risk of diabetes [1] . After discussing these findings within the literature, focusing on risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, it could be concluded that following UK alcohol guidelines of drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week , but spreading this out across 5-7 occasions and opting for wine more often than beer or spirits, may be appropriate advice for the general population for drinking responsibly and optimising health. Alcohol is a widely consumed and legal recreational drug, being drunk by 57% of adults in the UK  [2].  It is produced by bacterial o...