Taking Vitamin D Daily Was Associated With Better Cognitive Performance in Those at Risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia
Discover how people with sleep disturbance and mild cognitive impairment who took 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily performed better on memory and thinking assessments.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting memory and cognitive abilities, often leading to older individuals needing assistance with daily tasks. With over 7 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer's and dementia, and projections suggesting nearly double that number by 2050, researchers are exploring risk factors and potential preventive measures.
Emory University in Georgia conducted a study published in Sleep Medicine, revealing a link between high doses of vitamin D and cognitive function among adults at increased risk of dementia. The study, led by senior author Victoria Pak, an associate professor at Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, involved 54 participants diagnosed or suspected of having sleep disturbances and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
The researchers assessed participants' cognition using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and collected data on vitamin D supplement intake through self-reported questionnaires. After statistical analysis, the team found that participants taking 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D daily exhibited better cognitive performance, even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and education.
Pak emphasized the importance of intervening during the early stages of cognitive decline when opportunities to support brain health may still be present. The study did not differentiate the effects of vitamin D2 or D3, as both forms showed no significant cognitive differences. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the U.S., and its link to sleep disorders, such as insomnia and nighttime awakenings, has been a focus of research.
However, this study is the first to examine the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and cognitive function in individuals with both sleep disturbance and MCI. Further follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings, as current upper intake level recommendations are below 4,000 IU per day. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
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