A new study by neuroscientists at the University of Florida has warned that taking glucosamine, a dietary supplement to support joint health, may accelerate the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
Researchers analyzed medical data from patients between 2012 and 2024 and found that about 8% of people with cognitive impairment were taking glucosamine. After accounting for factors such as age and gender, these patients were found to be 25% more likely to develop dementia than others. An increased risk of death was also observed among dementia patients who took the supplement.
The researchers stressed that these results indicate a statistical correlation and not conclusive evidence of a causal relationship. Additional experiments conducted on mice and analysis of human brain samples showed that glucosamine enhances the processes of sugar modification in proteins, which are excessively increased in Alzheimer's disease, potentially damaging nerve cells and impairing memory.
The scientists pointed out that glucosamine is easily transported to body tissues, including the brain, and particularly affects people who are already in the risk group for dementia, while little effect was observed in healthy people. They called for more clinical studies to assess its effects on the development of dementia and the possibility of considering it a risk factor in patients with cognitive impairment.
