The brain needs a steady supply of energy to function correctly, and this energy supply often breaks down in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Some evidence suggests that problems with the brain’s creatine system may play a role in this decline. A recent study found that creatine supplements improved brain energy use, reduced the buildup of Alzheimer’s disease-related proteins, and boosted memory in mice.

Researchers conducted an eight-week pilot study involving 20 people with cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. All participants took 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily and attended five in-person visits throughout the study. Researchers tracked their ability to complete the program, adherence to the supplement regimen, changes in brain creatine levels, cognitive function, mitochondrial activity in blood cells, and muscle strength and size.

Because this was a feasibility trial, the primary focus was whether participants could tolerate and stick to the supplementation protocol, not efficacy. Preliminary results indicated that most participants completed the study, took the supplement as directed, and tolerated it well. Early data also pointed to potential changes in brain chemistry and mitochondrial function. However, the investigators cautioned that the study was not designed to determine whether creatine definitively improved cognition or muscle health.

These findings suggest that creatine supplementation is safe and feasible for people with Alzheimer’s disease and may support brain energy metabolism. Larger and longer-term studies may demonstrate whether creatine can help slow cognitive decline or improve quality of life. Learn more about the health effects of creatine in this episode featuring Dr. Darren Candow.