#181 - The Shocking Study: Vitamin D May Cut Dementia Risk by 40% If you needed one more reason to get outside — this is it. In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating link between vitamin D levels and dementia risk — and what new research is uncovering about how one simple, inexpensive habit could dramatically reduce your risk of cognitive decline. I share surprising findings from a major study that tracked over 12,000 adults for a decade — revealing that those who took vitamin D supplements had a 40% lower risk of developing dementia. Yep, forty. Percent. We’ll also unpack why 90% of U.S. adults are deficient in vitamin D (hint: it’s not just sunscreen), the early signs you might be running low, and the exact steps to fix it safely. You’ll learn: 🌞 Why vitamin D deficiency is now considered one of the most widespread nutrient deficiencies in the U.S. 🧠 How low vitamin D affects your brain, mood, and long-term dementia risk 💊 How much vitamin D you actually need — and which form works best 🍳 The truth about food sources, sunlight exposure, and supplementation 💡 The best time of day and UV window to optimize natural vitamin D production ⚠️ Common mistakes that keep your levels low (even if you’re taking a supplement) This episode is equal parts practical and empowering — because dementia prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sunshine, good food, and the right form of vitamin D.   ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – The sandwich generation, aging parents, and what sparked this topic 01:00 – The surprising research linking vitamin D supplementation to a 40% lower dementia risk 02:15 – What the study revealed about cognitive health, gender differences, and genetic factors 05:00 – Who’s most at risk for deficiency: skin tone, location, and body composition matter 07:15 – Deficiency symptoms you might be missing: fatigue, anxiety, poor immunity, hair loss, and more 08:45 – The vitamin D–depression connection and what happens in the brain when levels are low 13:15 – Food sources that help (and why they’re not enough on their own) 14:00 – Why vitamin D3 beats D2 — and the ideal dosage range for most adults 15:00 – How to test your vitamin D levels and interpret results the functional medicine way 16:15 – The role of vitamin K2, and who should not combine it with vitamin D 17:30 – Why this one nutrient could be one of the simplest ways to protect your brain and body long-term 🔗 Resources & Links (As An Amazon Associate I Earn A Small Commission From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You) Vitamin D3: https://amzn.to/3X2fJkW  Vitamin D3/K2: https://amzn.to/3WQnBpX    💥 Join the conversation: Share your thoughts with us on social media or in the comments! 🎙 Subscribe, Share & Review: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. Thanks for tuning in to Pretty Well! See you next week! Contact Lisa: Website: www.lisasmithwellness.com  IG: https://www.instagram.com/prettywell_podcast/   Disclaimer:  Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, please take informed accountability and speak to your provider before making changes to your health routine. The primary purpose of The Pretty Well Podcast being to educate. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice nor to take the place of such  advice or treatment from a personal physician. By listening to this content, you agree to consult your own physician or qualified health professional regarding specific health questions. Neither Lisa Smith, The Pretty Well Podcast, nor any guest takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons following the information in this educational content. All listeners of this content, especially those who are pregnant or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should cons