Glucosamine Linked to Dementia Progression

A recent study published in Nature Metabolism has raised concerns about glucosamine, a widely used supplement for joint pain. Researchers discovered a potential link between glucosamine consumption and the progression of dementia.

The study analyzed patient health records and found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment who took glucosamine were 25% more likely to progress to dementia. Those with existing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and who used glucosamine showed a 25% higher mortality rate over a 10-year period.

Further investigation using mice models and human brain tissue indicated that glucosamine might increase glycosylation, a process involving sugar chains on proteins crucial for brain cell communication. This process, when overactive in dementia, appears to be fueled by glucosamine, potentially worsening memory and cognitive function.

While the findings are preliminary and do not prove that glucosamine causes dementia, they suggest a correlation. Experts advise that individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who take glucosamine should discuss it with their doctor, emphasizing that supplements can impact metabolism differently depending on one's health status. Healthy individuals are not suggested to be at risk.