Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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VITAMIN D IMPACT ON STRESS AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ROMANIAN ADULTS

JUSTIN AURELIAN 1, ANDREEA ZAMFIRESCU 2, MIRELA NEDELESCU 3*, SMARANDA STOLERU 4, SANDRA MONICA GÎDEI 2, COSTINA DANIELA GÎȚĂ 2, ANA PRADA 2, CORINA OANCEA 5, ANDREEA-IULIA VLADULESCU-TRANDAFIR 6, SORINA MARIA AURELIAN 2

1 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Nursing, Bucharest, Romania
2 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Clinic of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chronic Diseases “Sf. Luca”, Bucharest, Romania
3 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Bucharest, Romania
4 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Discipline of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Bucharest, Romania
5 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bucharest, Romania
6 “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Rheumatology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bucharest, Romania

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Vitamin D plays a key role in ageing-related cellular processes, such as inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among older adults and has been linked to cognitive decline, mood disorders and various age-related diseases. This study evaluated the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and stress resilience, cognitive decline and successful ageing in older Romanian adults. A cross-sectional clinical trial was conducted with 89 participants over 55. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence analysis. At the same time, the cognitive function was assessed through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Stress and resilience were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale and Siebert Resilience Test. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with cognitive impairment, as measured by the MMSE and MOCA. However, no significant relationship was found between vitamin D levels and stress or resilience scores. This study indicates that vitamin D may play a significant role in preventing cognitive decline among older adults; however, its effects on stress and resilience necessitate further investigation.