This common supplement gives Alzheimer’s patients a brain boost
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"I often see this in my patients: brain fog, fatigue, memory issues. So many of them are running on empty at the cellular level. [This supplement] is one of the first things I reach for because it helps restore that baseline energy, especially in the brain." — Jessica Peatross, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician
"This study reflects what I have been seeing for years. The research is starting to catch up." — Jessica Peatross, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician
A small but exciting pilot study, recently published in Alzheimer’s Association Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, has put creatine back on the radar—this time as a potential tool to support brain health in Alzheimer’s disease. []
What was the study about?
Researchers tested daily creatine monohydrate supplementation (20 grams/day) for 8 weeks in a group of Alzheimer’s patients.
They tracked both brain creatine levels and cognitive function to see whether this common supplement might deliver some unexpected benefits.
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Creatine levels in the brain increased by 11%, and serum creatine also rose significantly at 4 and 8 weeks. More importantly, these biochemical changes translated to meaningful cognitive improvements.
Participants showed better performance across multiple domains: memory, fluid intelligence, reaction speed, and even reading skills.
"I often see this in my patients: brain fog, fatigue, memory issues. So many of them are running on empty at the cellular level. [This supplement] is one of the first things I reach for because it helps restore that baseline energy, especially in the brain," wrote Jessica Peatross, MD, board-certified internal medicine physician, in an Instagram comment.
Dr. Peatross continued: "This study reflects what I have been seeing for years. The research is starting to catch up."
It’s rare to see such a broad cognitive boost in this population—especially with an accessible intervention like creatine.
What does this mean for you?
Of course, these are still early findings. But the takeaway is clear: Creatine, long considered a sports supplement, might have a role in supporting brain energy and slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
While more rigorous trials are needed to confirm these effects and guide clinical use, the results open the door to a potentially low-cost, well-tolerated adjunct in Alzheimer’s care.
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