Glucosamine Supplements May Accelerate Alzheimer’s Memory Decline

WHO:

Science Daily - Researchers conducted the study.

The Conversation - The study was published by a team from the University of Florida.

WHAT:

Science Daily - Glucosamine is linked to a 25% higher likelihood of developing dementia among users.

The Conversation - People with Alzheimer’s who took glucosamine were 25% more likely to die within five years compared to those who did not.

The Conversation - The study analyzed 24,000 patients with dementia and 41,000 with mild cognitive impairment.

WHERE:

The Conversation - The analysis was based on anonymized medical records from the University of Florida Health system.

WHEN:

The Conversation - The study indicates that a clinical trial is planned to follow patients who discontinue glucosamine for several years.

WHY:

The Conversation - The researchers hypothesized that glucosamine may contribute to cognitive decline in patients already experiencing memory problems.

HOW:

The Conversation - Experiments were conducted in mice engineered to have Alzheimer’s-like symptoms to identify potential mechanisms.

The Conversation - Blocking the enzyme that makes sugars like glucosamine improved dementia symptoms in mice, while feeding glucosamine worsened memory loss.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 06:25 UTC)

A new study from a team at the University of Florida has found that glucosamine is linked to a 25% higher likelihood of developing dementia among users, with individuals who have Alzheimer’s being 25% more likely to die within five years if they take the supplement. The research analyzed anonymized medical records from 24,000 patients with dementia and 41,000 with mild cognitive impairment, and it suggests that a clinical trial is planned to follow patients who discontinue glucosamine for several years. Experiments conducted on mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms revealed that blocking the enzyme responsible for producing sugars like glucosamine improved dementia symptoms, while feeding glucosamine worsened memory loss.