Popular supplement linked to Alzheimer's - study
A new study has found a link between glucosamine supplementation and an increased risk of dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment. Analysis of patient data showed that the supplement increased the likelihood of developing dementia by 25% in this group. In mice with an Alzheimer's-like disease, glucosamine worsened performance on memory tests. Researchers emphasize that the findings are preliminary and require controlled clinical trials.
A new study has revealed a concerning link between the popular joint supplement glucosamine and cognitive decline in at-risk individuals. Scientists analyzed data from thousands of patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. In people with mild impairments, taking glucosamine increased the likelihood of developing dementia by 25%. Among those who already had dementia, those taking the supplement died more frequently. In experiments on mice with an Alzheimer's-like disease, glucosamine increased the number of sugar chains in brain proteins and worsened performance on memory tests. No such effect was observed in healthy mice. Researchers emphasize that the findings are based on medical records, which may be incomplete, and do not prove that glucosamine causes Alzheimer's disease. The next step will be a double-blind clinical trial. The authors recommend consulting a doctor before taking supplements.