Can Creatine Help the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?
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When you hear the word “creatine,” you probably think of bodybuilders and fitness supplements. But new research is exploring a surprising possibility—could creatine also help people with Alzheimer’s disease?
A recent pilot study looked at how creatine monohydrate (a popular and safe supplement) might affect the brains of people living with Alzheimer’s. The results are early, but they’re promising—and they could point to a simple, low-cost way to support brain energy and function in older adults.
What Is Creatine and Why Might It Help?
Creatine is a natural substance found in your muscles and brain. In muscles, it helps produce quick bursts of energy—like during exercise. But your brain also needs a lot of energy to function well, and creatine helps keep that energy supply steady.
In people with Alzheimer’s disease, brain cells struggle to make enough energy. This can lead to memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive problems. Scientists believe that boosting creatine levels in the brain could support brain energy and improve thinking abilities.
The Study: Creatine for Alzheimer’s
Researchers from the University of Kansas conducted a small pilot study with 20 older adults who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. For 8 weeks, participants took 20 grams of creatine monohydrate each day—a higher dose than what's usually used in fitness but safe under medical supervision.
The goal was to see:
- If people with Alzheimer’s could stick to the supplement routine
- Whether creatine levels in the brain would increase
- If memory and thinking improved during the trial
What Did They Find?
1. It was safe and doable.
All 20 participants completed the 8-week study. Most reported no serious side effects—only mild issues like bloating or cramping that improved over time. Nineteen out of 20 took the supplement regularly, showing that it’s manageable even for those with memory problems (especially with a caregiver’s help).
2. Brain creatine levels went up.
Using a brain scan called magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the researchers found an 11% increase in brain creatine levels after 8 weeks.
3. Some thinking skills improved.
Participants showed small but meaningful improvements on cognitive tests, including:
- Working memory (holding and using information)
- Reading and word recognition
- Attention and focus
While not a cure, these changes are promising—especially since Alzheimer’s is usually linked to ongoing decline.
Why This Matters
Right now, treatments for Alzheimer’s are limited. Some approved medications can slow symptoms for a while, but they don’t stop the disease from progressing. That’s why scientists are exploring non-drug approaches that may support brain health in other ways.
Creatine is:
- Inexpensive
- Widely available
- Generally safe
- Easy to take as a powder or capsule
If future studies confirm its benefits, creatine could become part of a broader strategy to support brain energy in Alzheimer’s and other conditions where the brain is under stress.
What Should You Know Before Trying Creatine?
If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or are concerned about brain health for yourself or a loved one, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Talk to a doctor first.
Even though creatine is considered safe, it’s important to discuss it with a healthcare provider—especially in older adults or those taking medications.
2. Start with a lower dose.
The study used 20 grams per day, which is quite high. Most people who use creatine for general health or performance take 3–5 grams per day.
3. Stick with creatine monohydrate.
There are many types of creatine, but monohydrate is the best-studied and most reliable option.
4. Pair it with a healthy lifestyle.
Creatine alone won’t prevent Alzheimer’s, but it might support brain function when combined with good sleep, regular movement, social connection, and brain-friendly foods.
Final Thoughts
This small pilot study shows that creatine might support brain energy and thinking in people with Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is needed, it opens the door to a potential low-cost, safe way to improve quality of life.
If you're curious about brain health or caring for someone with memory loss, this is one supplement worth watching in future research.