Controversial but cheap supplement that millions already take beats dementia
Researchers from the University of Kansas have found that consuming creatine as a supplement in any form can help improve memory and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Usually found in the body's muscles, creatine is an organic compound made of amino acids (simple proteins) that is also found in the brain.
It is produced by the liver, pancreas and kidneys and is critical in maintaining the brain's memory, attention span, energy production and processing speed.
Previous research has shown that lower levels of creatine in the brain is associated with cognitive decline.
And while low creatine levels are not a direct cause of dementia, they could lead to less energy production, which may worsen a person's memory.
In a new study, scientists found that patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease who took 20 grams of creatine for eight weeks showed an 11 percent increase in their brain's creatine levels and a slight increase in cognitive and memory tests.
Lead author Dr Matthew Taylor, assistant professor of dietetics and nutrition at KU School of Health Professions, said: 'There has been evidence in other populations that giving a higher dose of creatine does change brain creatine levels, but seeing it change in Alzheimer's patients was really exciting. That 11 percent is a significant increase.'
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia and mostly affects older adults. About 7.2million people in the US 65 and older live with the condition and over 100,00 die from it annually.
The Alzheimer's Association estimates that by 2050, nearly 13 million Americans will be living with the condition.
Creatine supplements, typically priced about $2.40 per serving and taken by as many as 20million Americans, are usually bought by those looking to enhance athletic performance and muscle growth.
They are most commonly available in both capsules and powder form.
For the trial, 19 Alzheimer's patients were given 20g of creatine monohydrate, a powder they could mix into a beverage of their choice, every day for eight weeks.
According to experts, the standard dose of creatine recommended for people looking to boost their muscle strength and athletic performance is 5g per day.
But since natural creatine produced in the body goes to the muscles first and whatever remains trickles to the brain, researchers gave patients 20g in hopes more would travel there.
The participants also underwent blood tests, MRI scans and took cognitive evaluations before taking the supplement, after four weeks and again after eight weeks to measure creatine levels and memory and cognitive improvement.
Along the 11 percent increase in brain creatine levels, results showed the participant's overall cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, language, and executive functions, slightly improved.
Additionally, their capacity to think logically and problem-solve also increased marginally. The participants' ability to accurately and fluently read, as well as to pay attention to a singular object also showed significant improvement.
The study authors wrote: 'The cognitive improvements observed in this study are also promising, as Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease with expected decline over time.
'We hypothesized that memory and executive function, the most affected domains in Alzheimer's disease would benefit from creatine monohydrate supplementation.'
Alzheimer's disease is believed to be caused by the development of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain - which damage and kill cells.
Amyloid protein molecules stick together in brain cells, forming clumps called plaques. While tau proteins twist together in fiber-like strands called tangles.
The plaques and tangles block the ability of the brain's neurons to send electrical and chemical signals back and forth. Over time, this disruption causes permanent damage in the brain that leads to Alzheimer's disease.
While there is no clear cause of the disease, experts believe it can develop due to genetic mutations and lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and social isolation.
However, the scientists involved in this study also believe that low creatine levels can cause problems with the quantity of energy produced in the brain and how the organ uses it.
Low energy levels due to a lack of creatine can significantly impair cognitive processes like attention, memory, and decision-making while also affecting mood and emotional regulation.
This can increase the progression of Alzheimer's disease in individuals and worsen their ability to perform basic tasks.
Therefore, the 11 percent increase in brain creatine levels observed in this study provides hope for Alzheimer's patients looking to slow down the progression of their condition.
It remains unknown the exact relationship between creatine and dementia.
Dr Taylor noted that additional research is needed to understand how the supplement can improve cognition.
This not the first time scientists have uncovered the benefits of creatine supplements on the brain.
A 2018 Experimental Gerontology found that taking the supplement orally may improve short-term memory, as well intelligence and logical reasoning in healthy adults.
The 2025 study was published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Intervention journal in May 2025.
But creatine has also come under fire, suspected of leading to water retention, bloating and GI upset, hair loss and an increased risk of kidney damage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The drink that's better than coffee... after study finds your morning cup could cause blindness
If you can't get through the day without a dose of caffeine but are afraid of the harmful health effects of coffee, matcha may be your answer. Matcha is finely ground powder made from green tea leaves that is whisked together with hot water and packed with antioxidants, making it a powerhouse drink. The market for the tea has grown as more people flock to health food stores to stock up on the green liquid gold. By some estimates, in the US, matcha sales have reached more than $10billion over the past 25 years. Globally, the matcha market is estimated to be valued at $4.3billion, and the ever-increasing demand is putting a strain on the world's supply. Along with its many benefits, it lacks the dangers of coffee, which was tied to vision problems in a recent study. In research published last month, Chinese scientists said they found a link between instant coffee and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - an eye disease that causes blurry or distorted central vision. Results showed people with a preference for instant coffee were up to seven times more likely to develop the disorder than drinkers of other types. Researchers believe the link could be due to the way instant coffee is prepared, which releases a chemical called acrylamide that may enter the bloodstream and damage the retina. Conversely, studies have linked matcha to lowering blood pressure and inflammation, and improving alertness and concentration. Antioxidants in the powder have also been linked to reduction in risk of chronic conditions, cancer and age-related diseases. If switching to matcha, you can enjoy all its benefits without giving up your need for caffeine. According to Harvard Health, in one 8oz cup, matcha contains 38 to 89mg of caffeine, compared to 100 to 120mg in coffee. While the content may be lower, that energy boost is more stable and longer-lasting than coffee. When drinking coffee, energy levels experience a quick surge, but, as fast as they're boosted, they come crashing down suddenly just a few hours later. With matcha, people still experience increased energy, but the heightened level is maintained over a longer period of time, providing steady energy for hours. And rather than experiencing a sudden crash, levels gradually decline over several hours. Matcha also contains theanine, which is believed to have a superior effect on cognitive function than caffeine alone, and the combination contributes to improved attention. Theanine also serves to release the amount of caffeine in the body at a slower rate, preventing the typical caffeine crash. In a 2024 study, 99 people, including 64 with self-reported cognitive decline and 35 with mild cognitive impairment, were randomly assigned to receive either matcha or a placebo. Results showed matcha consumption was associated with improved social cognitive function - a criterion for diagnosing dementia - specifically the perception of emotions from facial expressions. And in a separate 2020 study, female matcha drinkers saw an improvement in cognitive function. Another benefit of matcha compared to coffee: no coffee breath or stained teeth. It can actually improve oral health. According to Tea Makers of London, superpowered antioxidants found in matcha fight bacteria that grow in your mouth and cause damage. It reduces plaque-buildup and relieves symptoms of gum disease. Matcha can also be a supplement for weight loss. Unlike over-processed sports drinks and metabolism boosters, matcha has natural ingredients that improve metabolism and increase energy levels, putting you into fat burning levels safely. It won't raise blood pressure or cortisol, and is a great pre-workout drink. Finally, a good cup of matcha is much easier and less expensive to make than coffee. Matcha requires almost no equipment and can be made by simply whisking the powder in hot water or milk, compared to at-home coffee makers and espresso machines that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors warn of 'BBL smell'... as they reveal patients struggle to keep clean after enhancing their bottoms
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries have become one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures, thanks to the trend of wanting an hourglass figure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 90 percent increase in BBLs between 2015 to 2022, and a roster of celebrities, including Cardi B, Kim Kardashian, and Nene Leakes, are all rumored to have received butt-enhancing procedures. But while BBLs - which cost an average of around $8,600 - might look aesthetically pleasing, there is a less pleasant side effect: the 'BBL smell.' Dr Eric Anderson from Chicago-based Impressions Face + Body, told that 'the BBL smell is real,' and it can be caused by a number of things, including tissue death and unhygienic practices. One complication of BBLs is 'fat necrosis,' which causes fatty tissue in the buttocks to die following surgery, 'an indicator that a patient was overfilled with fat during the procedure. 'When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process called fat necrosis, which can lead to infections that need antibiotics, hospitalizations, and even sepsis.' But the smell may also come from uncleanliness. In one viral video, TikToker @donpsoundsoff described the smell from one woman's BBL he went on a date with as an 'an assault of my nose'. And in another clip, a woman said she had to get her BBL reversed because it 'smelled like a dumpster.' Another posted: 'When God created us, he gave us arms. All of our arms [are] made specifically for our body. You probably have a hard time wiping... properly because your body is a little bit wider than your arms are allowing you to reach in that area.' Dr Roger Tsai, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, says reaching around to the larger buttock area after surgery might be difficult after using the bathroom, which can cause a foul-smelling odor. He explains: 'Wiping down there is going be a lot more difficult because there's more to reach around.' Plastic surgeons typically give their patients fair warning about difficulties in the bathroom following the procedure. Sitting is not allowed for about two months after undergoing a BBL, though sitting on the toilet for a relatively quick bathroom break is ok. Many physicians recommend bidets to wash the area thoroughly. New York-based plastic surgeon Dr Douglas Steinbrech adds that a foul smell following BBL surgery may not be something to worry about. He explains: 'It's actually pretty common for patients to notice some unusual or even unpleasant smells after a BBL procedure. 'I don't see it a lot in my practice but I have seen the conversation online. 'Most of the time, what they're smelling isn't anything dangerous - it's usually related to the healing process. 'After surgery, the body is draining fluids, and the patient is wearing tight compression garments that can trap sweat, moisture, and bacteria against the skin. 'That combination, especially in warm areas like the lower back or thighs, can definitely lead to some odor. 'If fat was removed from areas like the stomach or thighs, they might also notice some musty or sour smells coming from those donor sites while they're healing.' That being said, Dr Steinbrech says if the smell is really strong, getting worse, or is accompanied along with redness, swelling, or discharge, it could be a sign of infection or fluid build-up. In this case, the patient should definitely reach out to the surgeon. But even if the surgery goes well, the physician says he has heard many patients say they're surprised by how long the smell sticks around, even with good hygiene. He reveals: 'Honestly, the BBL smell is just not something that always gets mentioned before surgery. 'The patient is not doing anything wrong, and they're not alone.' In a bid to keep the smell to a minimum, Dr Steinbrech advises keeping the area clean and dry and regularly changing compression garments. While BBLs have seen a meteoric rise in popularity, the procedure is considered one of the riskiest out there, with one in every 3,000 patients dying from complications. And because many women go overseas to get a discounted procedure, follow-up with the doctor who performed it is minimal or, in most cases, nonexistent. A BBL involves a surgeon harvesting fat from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction. That fat is then reinjected in the buttocks. But it's hard for doctors to see where they are injecting it and could be mistakenly pumping fat into the gluteal muscle, which introduces fat particles into blood vessels. These particles travel through the bloodstream and block blood flow to organs including the heart, leading to a condition called fat embolism syndrome. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, and even respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Nerve damage in the area where the fat was injected may also occur, leading to paralysis of the lower extremities and chronic pain. The risk of complications and potentially deadly after-effects have convinced some plastic surgeons to stop offering the service. Dr Lara Devgan, a New York-based plastic surgeon, said: 'This is my litmus test, my personal golden rule of plastic surgery: If you wouldn't let your mother or sister or brother have a procedure, you shouldn't let your patients either. 'The Brazilian butt lift is an operation that I do not perform any longer, because the mortality data speaks for itself. The risk-benefit calculus simply does not add up.' Dr Chris Funderburk of Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York says the best way to avoid complications with BBLs is by doing research to find a certified surgeon and 'not pushing it too far'. He recommends patients to go for 'a more natural and elegant look rather than overfilled and exaggerated'.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Scientists find PROOF of a formula for happiness: Find joy in the small things
It's often said that happiness is finding joy in the little things in life – now scientists appear to have found the proof. Just five minutes a day performing 'micro-acts of joy' that foster positive emotions is enough to banish stress, boost health and improve sleep quality, psychologists discovered. Listening to laughter, admiring a flower on a neighbourhood walk or doing a nice thing for a friend can measurably improve people's emotional wellbeing and attitudes toward life, according to Dr Elissa Epel. 'We were quite taken aback by the size of the improvements to people's emotional well-being,' said Prof Epel, an expert on stress and ageing who oversaw the new research. Her team at the University of California San Francisco studied nearly 18,000 people, mainly from the US, Britain and Canada, for the web-based 'Big Joy Project' over a two-year period to 2024. It was the first study to look at whether small, easy-to-do acts that take minimal time could have measurable and lasting effects on people. Participants were asked to perform five- to 10-minute acts of joy for a week. Prof Epel said the thousands of people who took part in her project for a single week matched the positive results achieved by programmes that required months of classes for hours at a time. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, asked participants to perform seven acts over seven days. The acts included sharing a moment of celebration with someone else, doing something kind for another person, making a gratitude list and watching an awe-inspiring video about nature. Prof Epel said her team picked tasks that were focused on promoting feelings of hope and optimism, wonder and awe, or fun and silliness. Each task took under 10 minutes, including answering short questions before and after. Participants were quizzed about their emotional and physical health at the start and end of the week-long project, providing a measure of their emotional well-being, positive emotions and 'happiness agency', along with their stress and sleep quality. The psychologists explained that emotional well-being includes how satisfied people are with their lives and whether they have purpose and meaning. Happiness agency is how much control they feel they have over their emotions. The team found improvements in all areas, and the benefits increased depending on how fully people participated in the programme, meaning those who completed all seven days saw greater benefits than those who only managed two or three. Ethnic minority participants saw even greater benefits than white participants, while younger people reported more benefits than older people. Prof Epel said it was not clear yet why these micro-acts appear to have such a profound mood-boosting impact. She suggested it may be that these small acts break up 'negative thought cycles' – such as excessive worrying or self-criticism – and redirect mental energy in a more positive way. While further research was needed, said Prof Epel, it's clear that a daily dose of joy could help people in these trying times. 'All of this well-being stuff, it's not a luxury,' she said. 'We often say that we'll let ourselves be happy once we've reached some point or finished some task. Well, we want to flip that – we need the energy of joy to get through the hard parts. These are really necessary skills.'
