Higher Vitamin D3 Levels Linked to Better Cognitive Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

In a cross-sectional study conducted in The Netherlands involving 225 older outpatients diagnosed as having probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) levels were associated with better scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Subjects with sufficient vitamin D status were found to have significantly higher MMSE scores, compared to subjects with vitamin D insufficiency. These results suggest that vitamin D status may be linked to cognitive function in persons diagnosed with probable AD. The authors conclude, "Further prospective studies are needed to specify the contribution of vitamin D status to the onset and course of cognitive decline and AD."

There is a growing body of research evidence pointing to the importance of Vitamin D (as D3). Unfortunately, most people are Vitamin D deficient. Aim for 20 minutes per day in the sun without sunscreen. Particularly during the winter, supplement with at least 1000 mg/day of Vitamin D in the form of D3.