08/27/2026
Quality vitamin D supplements available at TFN
Research shows taking vitamin D daily could boost cognitive function by over 13%.
New research from Emory University reveals that high-dose vitamin D supplementation may offer a powerful shield against early cognitive decline. In a study published in Sleep Medicine, researchers evaluated older adults experiencing both mild cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances—two major precursors to dementia.
The findings were striking: participants who took at least 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily scored more than 13% higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) compared to those who took none.
Interestingly, this cognitive boost was only observed with higher doses, as lower daily amounts of vitamin D did not yield similar benefits, and the results held true regardless of whether participants took vitamin D2 or D3.
While the study is preliminary, researchers emphasize that the combination of early memory changes and sleep issues represents a vital, modifiable window for intervention. Since over 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's dementia—a number projected to double by 2050—finding simple, accessible tools to support brain health is more urgent than ever. Vitamin D is already known to influence sleep-wake cycles and support nerve function, and these findings suggest that targeted, high-dose supplementation could help preserve everyday memory before significant cognitive decline takes hold. However, experts advise consulting with a physician before starting any high-dose regimen.
source: Zhou, S., Paul, S., Trotti, L. M., Bliwise, D., & Pak, V. (2026). Vitamin D supplement intake is associated with better cognition in persons with sleep disturbance and mild cognitive impairment. Sleep Medicine, 146, 108960.
