
Glucosamine, a popular joint supplement, linked to faster Alzheimer’s progression
A new study found that taking glucosamine supplements was linked to a 25% higher chance of mild cognitive impairment progressing to dementia.
A large health-record analysis found that glucosamine use was associated with a 25% higher likelihood of mild cognitive impairment progressing to dementia. Lab experiments suggest the popular joint supplement may intensify an abnormal sugar-tagging process in the Alzheimer’s brain, although researchers say clinical trials are needed to determine whether it actually causes harm.
University of Florida researchers found glucosamine use was associated with faster progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
The analysis of health records from 2012 to 2024 found a 25% higher likelihood of progression to dementia among glucosamine users, the study found.
The results are preliminary and need clinical trials to confirm, but researchers say older adults taking the supplement should be aware of the findings.
If you or someone you care for takes glucosamine for joint health, it is worth raising this study with your GP before continuing.
More from Cuppa
Atrial fibrillation patients saw 69% lower risk with common blood thinnersA major randomised trial found common blood thinners cut serious health events by 69% in atrial fibrillation patients previously considered too low-risk to treat.
How much should you actually tip on a 'free' walking tour?Free walking tours are not actually free for the guides, who often pay a fee per guest, so tipping well really does matter.
Asteroid samples from NASA's epic OSIRIS-REx mission show Bennu was born from fire and iceNASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid samples suggest Bennu formed 4.5 billion years ago near the boundary between hot and cold regions of our early solar system.
Feeding Birds in Your Backyard Could Be Spreading a Deadly Virus, an Expert WarnsExperts are warning that backyard bird feeding can create superspreader events for the deadly H5N1 bird flu, which has already killed over 1000 birds and a mammal in Australia.
Wallabies hold off world champion Springboks in chaotic Test for the agesThe Wallabies beat world champion South Africa 42-38 in Perth, finishing the game with just 11 players on the field.
Miller, Bavuma centuries propel South Africa to 365South Africa posted 365 against Australia in Johannesburg after Bavuma and Miller both scored centuries, with Australia's bowling hurt by Nathan Ellis leaving the field with a side strain.
Men arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses near U.S. air base in Britain in major incidentBritish police arrested several men on explosives charges and evacuated homes near RAF Fairford, the UK base the US Air Force used to strike Iran.
Men arrested in major incident at UK air base used by USBritish police arrested several men on explosives charges and evacuated homes near RAF Fairford, a UK air base the US has been using to strike Iranian targets.
What readers are saying