Boosting Cognitive Performance in Dementia-Risk Adults with High-Dose Vitamin D
A recent study from Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, published in the journal Sleep Medicine and funded by the National Institute on Aging, has discovered that high-dose Vitamin D supplementation may significantly enhance cognitive performance in older adults at early risk of dementia.
The research involved 54 adults exhibiting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and sleep disturbances — two key indicators of early dementia. The study found that participants who consumed at least 5,000 IU of Vitamin D daily scored over 13% higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test compared to those who did not supplement at all. Interestingly, lower doses of Vitamin D did not yield the same cognitive benefits, indicating that a daily intake of 5,000 IU or more may be crucial.
Vitamin D is recognized for its influence on muscle and nerve function, as well as sleep quality and circadian rhythms. The researchers highlighted that approximately 50% of individuals with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease report sleep disturbances, suggesting a complex bidirectional relationship between sleep and cognitive decline. This study is the first to specifically examine Vitamin D’s role in this high-risk dual-diagnosis population.
Given that over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s dementia — a number projected to nearly double by 2050 — these findings present a promising and accessible approach for early intervention. However, the researchers emphasize that these results are preliminary and require further investigation.
Source: ScienceDaily – August 22–23, 2026