The Popular Myth About the Cause of Dementia Debunked 0 55

Calcium supplements do not increase the risk of dementia in elderly women, researchers from Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, and the University of Western Australia have stated. The study, the results of which were published in The Lancet Regional Health — Western Pacific, dispels previous concerns that calcium could negatively affect brain function.

The project involved 1,460 women, half of whom took calcium supplements for five years, while the others received a placebo. After 14 years of observation, the researchers found no differences in dementia incidence between the groups. The association was absent even after accounting for factors such as diet, physical activity, heredity, and overall health status.

According to the researchers, these data confirm the safety of calcium supplements, which are often prescribed for the prevention of osteoporosis. About 20 percent of women over the age of 70 suffer from this condition, and regular calcium intake remains an important part of therapy.

The authors emphasize that further research will help determine whether these findings apply to men and younger age groups. However, the results already provide doctors and patients with confidence that calcium is safe for the brain with long-term use.