Creatine Supplement Shows Promise in Alzheimer's Prevention, Study Finds

Recent research from the University of Kansas has revealed that creatine, a widely used supplement known for its benefits in muscle growth, may also play a significant role in improving cognitive function and potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This study, published in the journal *Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Intervention* in May 2025, suggests a strong link between creatine levels in the brain and cognitive health, particularly in older adults.

According to Dr. Matthew Taylor, assistant professor of dietetics and nutrition at the KU School of Health Professions and lead author of the study, patients suffering from Alzheimer's who consumed 20 grams of creatine daily for eight weeks experienced an 11% increase in brain creatine levels, alongside notable improvements in various cognitive assessments. "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," stated Dr. Taylor.

Creatine, an organic compound produced by the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, is essential for energy production in both muscles and the brain. Research has demonstrated that lower levels of creatine in the brain correlate with cognitive decline, although they are not a direct cause of dementia. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that by 2050, nearly 13 million Americans aged 65 and older could be living with Alzheimer's, making the search for effective treatments increasingly urgent.

The clinical trial involved 19 Alzheimer's patients who were administered creatine monohydrate, a form of the supplement commonly used for athletic performance enhancement. The participants underwent blood tests and cognitive evaluations before, midway, and after the study period. Along with the increase in creatine levels, improvements were noted in areas such as attention, memory, language, and executive functions, providing hope for individuals facing cognitive challenges associated with aging.

The findings align with prior research, including a 2018 study published in *Experimental Gerontology*, which indicated that oral creatine supplementation could improve short-term memory and logical reasoning in healthy adults. However, while the benefits of creatine supplementation seem promising, experts caution that further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between creatine and cognitive health.

Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential side effects of creatine supplementation, including water retention, bloating, gastrointestinal distress, and possible kidney damage. Despite these concerns, the affordability of creatine, typically priced around $2.40 per serving, has led to its widespread use, with an estimated 20 million Americans currently using it for various health benefits.

The implications of this research could reshape approaches to cognitive health in aging populations, particularly as the incidence of Alzheimer's continues to rise. As the scientific community delves deeper into the mechanisms behind creatine's effects on the brain, this supplement may offer a novel avenue for preventing cognitive decline in millions of Americans.

In summary, the evidence suggests that creatine supplementation could improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, highlighting the need for continued exploration in this promising area of research. As Dr. Taylor notes, "The cognitive improvements observed in this study are also promising, as Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease with expected decline over time," indicating that early intervention with creatine could be crucial in slowing the disease's progression.