More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that figure could approach 13 million by 2050. New research from Emory University suggests that higher doses of vitamin D supplements may be associated with better cognitive performance among adults at increased risk of dementia.
The study included 54 adults with sleep disorders and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that may occur during the early stages of dementia. Participants who reported taking at least 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily achieved higher scores on cognitive assessments than those who did not take vitamin D supplements.
Higher vitamin D intake linked to improved cognitive scores
The study’s findings, recently published alongside research on sleeping pills, showed that participants taking 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D daily scored more than 13% higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) than those who did not take vitamin D. The association remained after researchers adjusted for other factors.
The MoCA is a commonly used screening tool that evaluates memory, attention, thinking skills, and other aspects of cognitive function. By comparison, lower daily amounts of vitamin D were not associated with significantly better cognitive scores.
Researchers also emphasized that the timing of potential interventions may be important. Mild cognitive impairment is considered an intermediate stage between typical age-related cognitive changes and dementia, making it a possible window for supporting brain health.
“For older adults who experience both sleep disorders and mild cognitive impairment, when cognitive changes are emerging, this may represent an important opportunity for intervention, but opportunities to support brain health may still remain,” said Victoria Pack, senior author of the study.
Pack, an associate professor at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, added: “Identifying available and modifiable factors, such as taking vitamin D supplements, in the early stages of cognitive decline may become increasingly important, especially as the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise.”
Vitamin D2 and D3 produced similar results
The researchers also examined whether the type of vitamin D influenced cognitive performance. Results were similar among participants taking vitamin D2, which is commonly derived from plants and fungi, and those taking vitamin D3, which the body produces after sun exposure and can also obtain from animal-based foods.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that supports muscle function, nerve health, sleep quality, and healthy sleep-wake cycles. Sleep problems are common among people with Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 50% of individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s report sleep disturbances, highlighting a possible two-way relationship between sleep disruption and cognitive decline.
Sleep disorders may contribute to early cognitive decline
Vitamin D deficiency has traditionally been linked to sleep problems, including insomnia and frequent nighttime awakenings. This pilot study is the first to explore the association between vitamin D supplementation and cognitive function in a high-risk group experiencing both mild cognitive impairment and sleep disorders.
Because this was a small observational study, the findings show an association rather than proof that vitamin D supplements prevent dementia or improve cognition. Larger clinical trials are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation can directly support brain health. People should consult a healthcare professional before taking high-dose vitamin D.
This research was funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health through grants R01AG097853-01 and R61AG080606.
Additional Emory co-authors include Sirui Zhou, Paul Sudeshna, Lynn Marie Trotti, and Donald Bliwise.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com