This Common Supplement Shows Early Potential in Alzheimer’s Treatment

Creatine is one of the most well-studied supplements out there. While it’s best known for helping beginners boost strength and build muscle, that’s just scratching the surface of what it can do. Research shows creatine also increases energy stores in the brain and may enhance cognitive function. Even more exciting? A recent study suggests it might reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, followed 20 patients with Alzheimer’s for eight weeks. Each participant was given 20 grams of creatine (Cr) per day for the duration of the two months to see if the regimen was practical, safe, and whether it would make any noticeable difference in brain function.

To determine the effects of high-dose creatine intake, researchers used a combination of standardized cognitive assessments and blood tests. Blood tests revealed that creatine levels in the patient's blood serum increased significantly by week four and remained raised through week eight. Overall, brain creatine increased by 11%.

Remarkably, participants showed measurable improvements in several areas of cognition—including global cognition, working memory, and oral reading—suggesting that creatine has potential brain-boosting benefits beyond the gym.

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This isn't the first time creatine has been used to improve brain function. A different study stated that "creatine has also been shown to have antioxidant properties, reduce mental fatigue, protect the brain from neurotoxicity, and improve facets/components of neurological disorders like depression and bipolar disorder." 

Research also shows that supplementing creatine can increase brain creatine stores, which is shown to enhance brain function and improve cognition. This may help explain some of the positive effects on cognition and memory shown when creatine was used by Alzheimer's patients. 

Although the study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions was small, the results suggest that creatine could play an important role in supporting brain health, especially in older populations. 

"Determining whether AD patients benefit from CrM supplementation will require further investigation," the study authors state. "The study design limitations prevent the ability to make conclusions of efficacy; thus, we urge caution when interpreting these results. Nonetheless, our study provides the first evidence in humans that CrM supplementation is feasible and may increase brain Cr and offer cognitive benefits to patients with AD."