It’s no secret that Alzheimer’s disease robs people of their memories and mental clarity. But behind those heartbreaking symptoms is a lesser-known culprit: low energy in the brain.
Just like our muscles need fuel to move, our brains need energy to think, focus, and remember.
In this study, researchers at the University of Kansas found that creatine supplements raised levels of brain creatine by about 11 percent—a big deal for people with impaired brain metabolism. Participants also showed improvements on tests of attention, memory, and mental flexibility.
Now before you rush to the supplement aisle, let’s pause.
This was a small study. It didn’t include a control group. It ran for just eight weeks. And it only measured short-term outcomes.
So while the results are encouraging, they’re not conclusive. As the researchers themselves said, “We urge caution when interpreting these results.”
Still, the science behind creatine makes sense. It helps generate ATP—the energy currency of cells—and may support mitochondria, reduce inflammation, and fight oxidative stress, all of which play a role in Alzheimer’s. It’s safe for most people, too (unless you have kidney issues).
But here’s the catch: not all creatine is created equal.
As Harvard physician Dr. Pieter Cohen warned, many creatine products on the market are unregulated and poorly labeled. So if you do consider creatine, stick to brands verified by trusted third-party testers like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).
At e-Alert, we believe natural solutions can be powerful—but only if they’re backed by real science. That’s why we follow the latest studies, highlight what’s promising, and call out what’s hype.
And in a world where “health hacks” spread like wildfire on social media, it's more important than ever to question the source. Don’t rely on some influencer’s supplement stack—rely on trusted research and your care team.
We’ll keep watching the creatine research and let you know when something more definitive emerges.
Until then, know that your best defense against cognitive decline still includes daily movement, nutrient-dense meals, social connection—and smart, informed decisions.
To staying informed,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. New discovery sheds light on Alzheimer’s trigger?
Sources:
Smith, A. N., Choi, I.-Y., Lee, P., Sullivan, D. K., Burns, J. M., Swerdlow, R. H., Kelly, E., & Taylor, M. K. (2025). Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer’s: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition. Alzheimer’s & Dementia (New York, N. Y.), 11(2), e70101. https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70101
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