Clinical Effects of Vitamin D Repletion in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Retrospective review of records in the Emory Movement Disorders clinic suggests vitamin D deficiency occurs in over 80% of patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), much more frequently than in internal medicine clinics. Laboratory studies have suggested vitamin D could play a role in the development of PD. In addition, low vitamin D levels have been associated with slower walking speeds, worse memory and thinking, and depression.

Retrospective review of records in the Emory Movement Disorders clinic suggests vitamin D deficiency occurs in over 80% of patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), much more frequently than in internal medicine clinics. Laboratory studies have suggested vitamin D could play a role in the development of PD. In addition, low vitamin D levels have been associated with slower walking speeds, worse memory and thinking, and depression. About 150 persons who have PD and low vitamin D levels will participate in this study. Subjects will be randomly (like flipping a coin) assigned to either high dose vitamin D supplement (54,200 IU weekly) or the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for older persons (4200 IU weekly of vitamin D). Subjects will be examined in the clinic before, then 3- and 6- months after taking vitamin D supplement. Tests of walking speed, Parkinson's rating scales, memory tests and questionnaires of mood, anxiety and fatigue will be administered. If this study confirms that vitamin D deficiency occurs in 80% of patients, other patients may benefit because awareness of the problem will be increased. Also, this study will help determine whether vitamin D improves patients' functioning. Currently, there is no "standard of care" for persons with low vitamin D. At the VA Medical Center, providers use a variety of supplement regimens. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has published 600 IU per day (4200 IU per week) as the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). By definition, the RDA is the amount of a vitamin or supplement that will prevent 97-98% of the population from becoming deficient.