A recent pilot study suggests that creatine monohydrate may help improve cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, found that 19 out of 20 participants showed significant improvements in cognitive tests, including sorting and reading, after eight weeks of creatine supplementation.
The researchers monitored levels of creatine in the patients’ blood and brains, as well as their compliance with taking the supplement. The results indicate that creatine levels increased in the blood and brain, suggesting a potential benefit for cognition.
According to study co-author Matthew Taylor, PhD, RD, the findings provide “preliminary evidence” for more research. The theory behind this potential benefit is that creatine helps transport energy produced by mitochondria and increases ATP production, which is essential for brain function in Alzheimer’s patients.
However, experts caution that the results should not be taken as conclusive evidence. Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, states that “there is no well-established data to support the use of creatine with the goal of improving cognition” and recommends discussing supplement use with a neurologist.
While this study offers promising results, further research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of creatine for Alzheimer’s patients. The American Association of Neurology emphasizes the importance of placebo-controlled clinical trials to determine the efficacy of supplements like creatine on cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a64864696/creatine-alzheimers-disease-symptoms