This Workout Supplement May Help With Alzheimer's-New Pilot Study
A popular workout supplement could lead to better outcomes for Alzheimer's patients, according to the findings of a new study.
Creatine is a popular fitness supplement that many people use to help build muscle. However, a new study published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions discovered it could also boost brain cognition in Alzheimer's patients.
In the United States, roughly 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2025, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
The chronic neurodegenerative disease can affect memory, thinking and behavior and is currently the most common form of dementia worldwide.
In the study, patients with Alzheimer's disease took 20 grams of creatine monohydrate for eight weeks.
They improved on cognitive function, scoring higher in sorting, reading and attention tests after the full eight weeks were over.
Researchers said the study laid the groundwork of "preliminary evidence" to conduct further research.
"We decided to do this study because there were a couple of recent studies in mice suggesting that, in a mouse model of Alzheimer's, creatine monohydrate supplementation may be beneficial," study co-author Matthew Taylor, Ph.D, RD, assistant professor and director of the KU Brain Nutrition Laboratory at University of Kansas Medical Center, told Women's Health.
"Prior to this study, no work had been done in humans with Alzheimer's, so it was the right time to start looking at it as a potentially beneficial supplement for Alzheimer's."
Since creatine helps create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a primary energy source for the brain, researchers speculate that creatine is able to improve overall cognition in Alzheimer's patients.
Creatine also may be able to reduce inflammation, improving the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Matthew Taylor, assistant professor and director of the KU Brain Nutrition Laboratory at University of Kansas Medical Center, told Women's Health: "The brain requires a lot of energy, but in Alzheimer's, brain energy metabolism drastically declines. Creatine is a very important substance for transporting energy produced by our mitochondria and increasing creatine levels may even encourage mitochondria to produce more energy."
Further research is likely needed to understand the full impact of creatine on the body as well as the potential implications for Alzheimer's disease.
"I would not advise the use of creatine with the goal of improving cognition," Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University told Women's Health, adding there's not "well-established data to support this use."
Taylor echoed this sentiment.
"Our study is far from a definitive study," he said. "Well-designed, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to determine whether creatine is beneficial for Alzheimer's. I would suggest Alzheimer's patients and their families discuss taking any supplement with their neurologist."
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Except as required by law, Moderna disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on Moderna's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release. Moderna Contacts Media: Chris RidleyHead of Global Media Relations+1 Investors: Lavina TalukdarSenior Vice President & Head of Investor Relations+1 SOURCE: Moderna, Inc.
