Creatine has shown potential as a treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease patients, with promising results emerging from a recent study. The study, published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, highlighted the benefits of creatine in preserving muscle strength and size for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease not only impacts mental health but also takes a toll on physical well-being. Previous research suggests that muscular dysfunction could serve as an early indicator before cognitive decline sets in. Weak muscles, especially in older individuals, can lead to increased risks of falls, injuries, and challenges in daily activities, exacerbating the effects of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Kansas hypothesized that enhancing muscle strength and size could have a cascading effect in improving various symptoms and issues in Alzheimer’s patients. While creatine is commonly used in fitness circles to build muscle, its effects on Alzheimer’s patients had not been studied extensively prior to this pilot trial.
The trial involved 20 participants aged between 60 and 90, diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease. They were instructed to take 10-gram doses of creatine supplement daily for eight weeks. At the beginning and end of the trial, researchers assessed hand grip strength, lower-body function, and muscle size.
Results showed no withdrawal symptoms, with participants showing 90% compliance with the creatine regimen. Handgrip strength increased significantly from 33.5kg to 35.5kg on average after the eight-week period. Hand grip strength is crucial for independence and fall prevention in older adults. Although other body measurements like BMI and lean body mass did not change significantly, there were reductions in subcutaneous fat levels and increases in muscle cross-sectional area in the legs.
Overall, the study indicated that creatine had modest benefits for skeletal muscle structure in Alzheimer’s patients, potentially offsetting the usual muscle loss progression in these individuals. Researchers recommended further exploration of creatine supplements to prevent muscle function decline in Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing the need for more extensive research beyond the limitations of the pilot trial.