New research from the University of Florida indicates that a supplement commonly used by older adults for joint pain, glucosamine, may speed up Alzheimer’s disease progression. Published on June 9 in Nature Metabolism, the study reveals that individuals showing mild cognitive impairment signs are 25% more likely to develop dementia when using glucosamine supplements compared to those who do not.
The research also points out an increased risk of 25% for death among Alzheimer’s patients using glucosamine.
A Neuropsychologist’s Perspective
Dr. Jessica McCarthy, a neuropsychologist from New Jersey specializing in dementia assessment, shared her insights with Newsweek. McCarthy pointed out that this study is further evidence supporting the idea that Alzheimer’s disease involves both metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, not solely the presence of amyloid plaques and tau proteins.
As glucosamine can cross the blood-brain barrier, it may intensify an overactive metabolic pathway, heightening disease progression risk in mild cognitive impairment and mortality for those with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Dr. McCarthy expressed concern about individuals seeking shortcuts in health management through supplements without fully understanding interactions with body systems, conditions, and other medications. This study underscores potential risks.
Understanding Glucosamine
Glucosamine, a popular dietary supplement in the U.S., is marketed mainly for alleviating joint pain and supporting cartilage. It is frequently used by older adults, who are particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, prompting the University of Florida research team to investigate its potential impact on neurological decline.
The research incorporated artificial intelligence to scrutinize anonymized health records of patients from UF Health between 2012 and 2024. Focused on patients with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment, the study identified 1,896 dementia patients and 2,750 with mild cognitive impairment who used glucosamine.
After adjusting for age, sex, and demographics, data showed that those with mild cognitive impairment utilizing glucosamine faced higher chances of developing dementia. Advanced imaging of human brain tissue and mouse models of Alzheimer’s were used to further explore biological mechanisms indicating the supplement’s interaction with disrupted metabolic processes in Alzheimer’s.
Mortality risk increase was noted only in those already diagnosed with dementia, not in mild cognitive impairment, suggesting the supplement’s effects may vary by disease stage.
Advice for Glucosamine Users
While findings are observational, clinical trials are necessary for confirmation. However, the research highlights metabolic dysfunction’s role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. McCarthy emphasized modifiable factors for improving brain and metabolic health, advocating for regular moderate-intensity exercise, proper sleep hygiene, a Mediterranean diet, and adhering to prescribed medications.
Consulting with medical professionals before starting supplements is crucial, with a focus on keeping the brain stimulated, intellectually and socially engaged, well-nourished, and sufficiently rested, which are backed by research for managing metabolic health and inflammation.