A pilot study at the University of Kansas Medical Center suggests that creatine supplementation may improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease. The study, known as Creatine to Augment Bioenergetics in Alzheimer’s (CABA), found moderate improvements in working memory and executive function among 19 participants aged 60-90.
Creatine is a dietary supplement commonly used by athletes to boost energy and strength. Researchers believe that it may also help increase brain energy and improve memory and thinking processes. In this study, participants took 20 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for eight weeks, leading to an 11% increase in brain creatine levels.
The results indicate a moderate improvement in working memory and executive function, with participants showing nearly statistically significant gains in the latter area. While the study’s limitations include its small sample size and lack of a control group, it provides the first evidence that creatine supplementation is feasible in people with Alzheimer’s disease and may offer cognitive benefits.
Future research will aim to understand the biological mechanisms behind any changes in cognition associated with creatine supplementation, as well as explore potential roles for creatine in decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Source: https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/creatine-alzheimers-research.html