Glucosamine Tied to 25% Higher Dementia Risk in MCI Patients

3 articles · Updated · Wales Online · Aug 4

University of Florida researchers found glucosamine users with mild cognitive impairment were 25% more likely to develop dementia after adjusting for age, sex and other factors.
Nature Metabolism published the study, which used AI analysis of 2012-2024 health records plus mouse and human brain experiments to trace a possible mechanism rather than prove causation.
In dementia patients already diagnosed, glucosamine use was also associated with a 25% higher risk of death during the study period, while about 8% of patients in both groups reported taking the supplement.
Mouse tests showed glucosamine boosted abnormal protein sugar-tagging in the brain and worsened social memory, while reducing that activity improved scores; human Alzheimer's brain tissue showed the same pathway was elevated.
The findings add to broader University of Florida research pointing to disrupted brain sugar metabolism as a driver of Alzheimer's, though experts said patients should consult a doctor before stopping glucosamine.