Common gym supplement could offer breakthrough for Alzheimer's patients
Share this @internewscast.com

Creatine, commonly used by gym-goers for its muscle-enhancing effects, might serve as a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal suggests that creatine can help Alzheimer’s patients maintain muscle strength and size within just eight weeks.

Alzheimer’s is known for its cognitive impact, but it also significantly affects physical health. Previous research indicates that muscle dysfunction can be an early indicator of the disease, which exacerbates risks like falls, injuries, difficulty with daily activities, and physical discomfort in seniors. These issues compound the challenges faced by Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Researchers at the University of Kansas theorized that bolstering muscle strength and size could help mitigate these secondary complications in Alzheimer’s patients. Given creatine’s ability to boost muscle performance, it could provide a viable solution to help patients retain physical function despite their illness.

Until this pilot trial, the effects of creatine on Alzheimer’s patients had not been examined. The study involved 20 participants, ages 60 to 90, all diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease.

Participants were asked to take a daily 10-gram dose of creatine for eight weeks. Researchers measured hand grip strength, evaluated the lower body, and assessed muscle size and thickness at the start and end of the trial.

The participants showed no withdrawal symptoms and adhered to the creatine regimen about 90% of the time. After eight weeks, average handgrip strength rose from 33.5 kg to 35.5 kg.

Hand grip strength is often directly associated with quality of life and mortality risk in older adults as it signifies their ability to be independent and prevent themselves from falling. However, there were no significant changes in BMI, waist circumference or percentage of lean body mass.

In some areas of the body, subcutaneous fat levels decreased and the muscle cross-sectional area increased in the legs for those who underwent the lower body assessment according to News Medical.

Overall, the researchers discovered that taking creatine had modest benefits for the skeletal muscle structure in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. They also suggested that the increased hand grip strength could counteract the accelerated muscle loss these patients typically experience.

The researchers concluded: “This eight-week pilot trial suggests that 20 g/day of CrM may provide modest skeletal muscle benefits in patients with AD. These data provide preliminary evidence to warrant further investigation of the potential for CrM to prevent AD-related decline in muscle function.”

They called for more research into creatine supplements as a possible solution to prevent Alzheimer’s related decline in muscle function. However, they also cautioned that these initial findings should not be seen as conclusive proof due to the small size of the study group and some changes made to the protocol during the study.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

How I Shed 10 Stone Naturally: Tips from a Former Size 24 Who Conquered Stairs Without Mounjaro or Fad Diets

A 44-year-old woman who once described herself as a ‘crisp addict’ has…

Women Report Severe Intimate Burns Linked to Always Sanitary Towels: Urgent Consumer Alert

Always, the renowned sanitary pad brand, asserts that customer safety remains their…

Country Music Star Zac Brown, 46, Unveils the Strategy Behind His Remarkable Weight Loss Transformation

Zac Brown recently unveiled the secret behind his remarkable weight loss, having…

Unveiled: The Unconventional Dinner Party Etiquette Rule for 2025 – Nearly Half Say Gatherings Are ‘Completely Ruined

In an unusual twist to social norms, it is now suggested that…

8 Surprising Factors That May Weaken Your Bones and How to Prevent Them

Bone health often remains an afterthought until an unexpected issue arises, typically…

Urgent Alert: Scientists Warn of Toxicity in Certain Tomato Varieties

A recent alert has spotlighted tomatoes as a major concern, with the…

Shocking Exposé: Former ‘Biggest Loser’ Contestant Uncovers Harsh Reality Behind the Scenes – Trainer Stands Unapologetic

Joelle Gwynn, a former contestant on The Biggest Loser, recently revealed the…

Study Indicates Severe Dental Issues May Elevate Risk of Dementia and Strokes

Emerging research indicates that gum disease could significantly elevate the risk of…

Pharmacist Reveals the One OTC Medication You Should Think Twice About Purchasing

A clinical pharmacist has taken the internet by storm after sharing a…

Unlock Ancient Wisdom: Discover the Diet Test That Transformed My Eating Habits Forever

The Ayurvedic diet, with its roots tracing back 5,000 years on the…

Unmasking the Culprits: 3 Surprising Causes of Cold Symptoms Beyond COVID and Flu

As the seasons stretch longer, common sniffles and symptoms often mistaken for…