Creatine appears to be generally safe for people with Alzheimer’s disease and may offer some benefits, particularly related to muscle strength and possibly brain energy metabolism. Research conducted at the University of Kansas involved 20 individuals with probable Alzheimer’s disease who took 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for eight weeks. The study found a significant increase in handgrip strength, which is important because muscle strength is often reduced in Alzheimer’s patients and is linked to quality of life and mortality risk. However, no improvement was observed in leg strength during this trial[1].
Beyond muscle effects, creatine is a molecule crucial for energy storage and transport in cells, including brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with impaired brain energy metabolism, and some preclinical studies in mouse models suggest that creatine supplementation might improve brain energy metabolism and cognitive function, at least in female mice. This has motivated researchers to explore creatine’s potential in humans with Alzheimer’s[2].
One important question has been whether creatine can cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. Emerging evidence suggests that creatine does enter the brain, although the extent and clinical significance are still under investigation. Some researchers are also exploring guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), a precursor to creatine, which may cross into the brain more easily and increase brain creatine levels more effectively than creatine itself[3].
Regarding cognitive effects, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in healthy individuals found that creatine supplementation improved memory performance compared to placebo. While this does not directly prove benefits in Alzheimer’s patients, it supports the idea that creatine can positively affect brain function by enhancing energy supply and possibly exerting neuroprotective effects[3].
However, not all studies have found positive results. A 2015 animal study reported no effect of creatine supplementation on learning, memory retrieval, or neuron apoptosis in an Alzheimer’s disease model, indicating that the evidence is not yet conclusive and more research is needed[4].
In terms of safety, creatine is widely used as a dietary supplement, especially in sports nutrition, and is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. The doses used in Alzheimer’s research (e.g., 20 grams daily for short periods) are higher than typical sports supplementation but were well tolerated in the studies conducted so far[1][5]. Nonetheless, long-term safety data specifically in Alzheimer’s patients are limited.
The potential mechanisms by which creatine might help in Alzheimer’s include improving brain energy metabolism, supporting mitochondrial function, and possibly protecting neurons from degeneration. The brain consumes a large portion of the body’s energy, and creatine helps maintain ATP levels, which are critical for cellular function. This energetic support might help slow cognitive decline or improve symptoms, but definitive clinical evidence is still emerging[6].
Lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise, and cognitive training remain the most supported approaches to slowing Alzheimer’s progression. Creatine supplementation could be considered as an adjunct to these strategies, but it is not yet a standard treatment[7].
In summary, creatine supplementation shows promise for improving muscle strength and possibly brain energy metabolism in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It appears safe in the short term at studied doses, but more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm cognitive benefits and long-term safety. Patients and caregivers should consult healthcare professionals before starting creatine or any supplement.
Sources:
[1] NMN.com, Creatine: A Potential Aid for Muscle Health in Alzheimer’s
[2] University of Kansas Health System, Creatine and Dementia Research (YouTube)
[3] Health.mil, Information Paper on Creatine and TBI
[4] Dr.Oracle.ai, Does taking Creatine prevent dementia?
[5] Solutions4Health.com, The Latest Research on Creatine
[6] MensHealth UK, Creatine for Brain Health – Dosage, Risks, Benefits, & Science
[7] Nature.com, Can Diet and Exercise Really Prevent Alzheimer’s?
