Study Links Glucosamine to Higher Alzheimer's Risk in MCI Patients

A study published in Nature Metabolism has found an association between glucosamine supplementation and an increased likelihood of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease.

Key Findings

• Researchers analyzed deidentified UF Health records from 2012 to 2024, identifying 1,896 Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) patients and 2,750 MCI patients who reported taking glucosamine (8% of each group).
• After controlling for age, sex, and demographics, glucosamine use was associated with a 25% higher likelihood of progression from MCI to dementia.
• Among ADRD patients, glucosamine use was associated with a 25% increase in mortality risk.

"A lot of these people actively take an over-the-counter supplement that could be making their disease progression worse."
— Senior author Ramon Sun, Ph.D.

Biological Mechanisms

The study also examined biological mechanisms. In genetically modified mice, glucosamine increased attachment of sugar residues to proteins and worsened social memory deficits. Suppressing this attachment improved memory. Analysis of human Alzheimer's brain specimens showed increased sugar attachment compared to normal controls.

Clinical Implications

"The electronic health record data are very provocative. While it's an association and not proof of causality, it does raise an important clinical question."
— Study co-author Matt Gentry, Ph.D.

The research team noted that the results are preliminary and require validation in a human clinical trial.