US study links glucosamine to progression of cognitive impairment — ScienceDaily

Researchers at the University of Florida in the United States found an association between glucosamine use and a 25% higher likelihood of mild cognitive impairment progressing to dementia. The conclusions are based on a retrospective analysis of medical records, experiments in mice and samples of human brain tissue, ScienceDaily reports.

Glucosamine is an over-the-counter supplement often used to reduce joint discomfort and support joint health. Mild cognitive impairment refers to noticeable problems with memory or thinking that exceed normal age-related changes but may not yet significantly interfere with everyday life.

Analysis of medical records

Using artificial intelligence, scientists analyzed de-identified UF Health records from 2012 to 2024. They studied data from patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, as well as people with mild cognitive impairment.

Glucosamine use was reported by 8% of patients in each of these groups: 1,896 people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and 2,750 with mild cognitive impairment. After accounting for age, sex and demographic indicators, supplement use was associated with a 25% higher likelihood of cognitive impairment progressing to dementia.

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Among patients who had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, glucosamine use was also associated with a 25% higher risk of death during the specified period. No such association was recorded in the group with mild cognitive impairment.

Possible biological mechanism

The authors examined a metabolic pathway associated with the attachment of sugar structures to proteins. This is a normal cellular process, but samples of brain tissue from people with Alzheimer’s disease showed a significantly higher level of such attachment than control samples.

In genetically modified mice, glucosamine increased the attachment of sugar residues to proteins inside cells. Animals that received glucosamine performed worse in tests of social memory. After this process was chemically suppressed, memory test results improved.

The researchers emphasize that the analysis of medical records shows an association rather than proving a causal relationship. A controlled clinical trial in humans is needed to determine whether glucosamine can directly accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and which patients may be most vulnerable. The study was published in the journal Nature Metabolism.