Creatine Monohydrate for Alzheimer's Disease
Also known as: Creatine
Brain creatine supports ATP buffering in neurons facing metabolic stress from amyloid-beta and tau pathology.
Mechanism of Action
Creatine maintains neuronal ATP levels through phosphocreatine shuttle, protects against amyloid-beta-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and supports synaptic energy demands critical for learning and memory. Brain creatine levels decline with aging.
General mechanism: Phosphocreatine energy buffer. ATP stabilization, mitochondrial protection, anti-apoptotic, muscle preservation.
Current Evidence
Preclinical models show cognitive protection. MRS studies document brain creatine decline in aging and AD. Clinical trials for AD specifically are limited.
Clinical Status: Preclinical support. No AD-specific clinical trials.
Safety Profile
Extremely safe. Decades of safety data. GI effects at high loading doses. Water retention. Safe long-term at 3-5g/day.
Key Research Questions
- Can creatine supplementation increase brain creatine measured by MRS?
- Does creatine protect against metabolic neurodegeneration in AD?