Mechanisms of vitamin d deficiency as a risk factor for post-stroke depression, dementia, delirium, and fatigue: A promising therapeutic modality

Abstract

Acute ischemic stroke often results in a multitude of neuropsychiatric complications, including depression, dementia, delirium, and fatigue. Research has demonstrated a positive correlation between lower serum vitamin D levels and an elevated risk of these post-stroke symptoms, albeit the precise underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Existing studies indicate that vitamin D deficiency can impair normal immune function, decrease neurotransmitter synthesis, exacerbate oxidative stress damage, and disrupt calcium ion homeostasis. This review consolidates findings from various studies, highlighting the strong association between vitamin D deficiency and abnormal post-stroke symptoms. Furthermore, it elucidates the pivotal role of vitamin D in modulating inflammatory responses, mitigating oxidative stress, and facilitating neurotransmitter synthesis. Based on these insights, we propose vitamin D as a promising therapeutic target for both preventing and alleviating abnormal post-stroke symptoms.