Efficacy of Vitamin D in Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment

Summary

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a prevalent and debilitating sequela of stroke, posing a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. Emerging evidence suggests that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. However, the therapeutic potential and underlying immunological mechanisms of Vitamin D supplementation in PSCI remain unclear.

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin D supplementation in improving cognitive function among patients with PSCI. The primary objective is to determine whether high-dose Vitamin D administration can significantly enhance cognitive performance compared to a placebo group. Secondary objectives include assessing the effects on serum inflammatory markers (such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), thereby exploring the potential immune-modulatory pathways.

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either oral Vitamin D (e.g., 5000 IU/day) or an identical placebo for a duration of \[e.g., 6 months\]. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Blood samples will be collected at baseline and post-intervention to measure changes in immune-related biomarkers.

The findings of this trial will provide critical evidence regarding the role of Vitamin D as a potential adjunctive therapy for PSCI and elucidate the connection between vitamin D status and post-stroke immune regulation.

Conditions

• Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment (PSCI)

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Vitamin D2 capsules

Participants in the intervention group will receive oral soft capsules containing Vitamin D₂ (Ergocalciferol) 5000 IU, taken once every 5 days (one capsule per administration) for a period of 6 months. The active capsules are identical in appearance, packaging, and taste to the placebo capsules to maintain blinding.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo Soft Capsules (Vitamin D₂-matched placebo)

Participants in the placebo group will receive oral soft capsules that are identical in appearance, color, size, taste, and packaging to the active Vitamin D₂ (5000 IU) capsules. The placebo capsules contain no active Vitamin D₂ ingredient and are filled with the same excipient matrix (e.g., refined vegetable oil / medium-chain triglycerides) as the active capsules, without added calcium or other active substances that could affect outcomes. Administration: One capsule is taken orally once every 5 days (same dosing frequency as the intervention group). Duration: The intervention period lasts 6 months (approximately 36 total doses, aligned with the active group on the same calendar schedule). Blinding: The placebo capsules are identical in labeling, packaging, odor, and taste to the active capsules. A third-party will handle packaging and coding to maintain double-blinding among researchers, participants, and outcome assessors.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Suzhou Municipal Hospital of Anhui Province

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-01

Primary Completion

2028-02-01

Completion

2028-06-01

Countries

• China

Study Locations