Lawrence, Kansas — New research suggests that creatine, commonly used as a dietary supplement for muscle enhancement, may also offer benefits for brain health. Scientists at the University of Kansas have released findings indicating that creatine supplementation could improve memory and potentially decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals suffering from cognitive decline.
Creatine is an organic compound produced naturally in the body, primarily within the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. While it is typically stored in muscle tissue, it is also found in the brain, where it plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and processing speed. Previous studies indicated that lower levels of creatine in the brain correlate with cognitive decline, raising questions about its potential influence on diseases like Alzheimer’s.
In a clinical trial involving 19 Alzheimer’s patients, researchers administered a daily dose of 20 grams of creatine monohydrate for eight weeks. The findings were promising: participants exhibited an 11 percent increase in brain creatine levels and slight improvements in various cognitive assessments. Dr. Matthew Taylor, an assistant professor at the KU School of Health Professions and the lead researcher, highlighted the significance of these results, noting that even a small percentage increase in creatine can have meaningful impacts on brain function.
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, currently affects approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older, with predictions that this number could rise to nearly 13 million by 2050. As cognitive abilities decline, individuals with Alzheimer’s typically experience the development of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt neuronal communication and lead to brain cell death.
In the recent study, the participants underwent a series of cognitive evaluations, blood tests, and MRI scans before and after the supplementation period. While improvements in cognitive functions such as memory, language, and problem-solving were modest, even slight enhancements in these areas could be valuable for individuals battling such a debilitating condition.
Experts recommend a standard dosage of 5 grams of creatine daily for those seeking to improve athletic performance. However, in this study, higher doses were administered to ensure that sufficient amounts reached the brain, addressing the competition for creatine use in muscle tissue.
The cognitive enhancement observed in the study raises hopes for strategies to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. While the precise mechanisms linking creatine to cognitive function remain unclear, researchers suggest that inadequate creatine levels may impair energy production in the brain, which could accelerate the decline of cognitive abilities.
Despite the encouraging results, Dr. Taylor emphasizes the need for further investigation to better comprehend the relationship between creatine supplementation and Alzheimer’s disease. Past studies have suggested that creatine may also support short-term memory and logical reasoning in healthy adults, indicating that its benefits might extend beyond those affected by dementia.
While creatine supplementation is widely embraced, it is not without concerns. Potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, water retention, and increased risk of kidney problems, have raised questions among both users and healthcare professionals.
As research continues, the findings from this latest study contribute valuable insights to the field of cognitive health and present a novel avenue for exploring the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.