Common Supplement May Accelerate Alzheimer's Disease Progression

WHO:

The Independent - Researchers from the University of Florida conducted the study.

Newsweek - Dr. Jessica McCarthy, a neuropsychologist specializing in dementia assessment, commented on the findings.

WHAT:

The Independent - People with Alzheimer’s disease who took glucosamine were 25% more likely to die within five years than those who didn’t.

Newsweek - The study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment taking glucosamine were 25% more likely to develop dementia compared to those who did not take the supplement.

Newsweek - Approximately 8% of dementia patients in the study reported taking glucosamine.

WHERE:

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

Newsweek - The study utilized patient health records collected from UF Health.

WHEN:

Newsweek - The study was published on June 9 in the journal Nature Metabolism.

Newsweek - Patient health records were collected between 2012 and 2024.

WHY:

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

Newsweek - The study suggests that glucosamine may worsen metabolic dysfunction in the brain, which is already disrupted in Alzheimer's patients.

HOW:

The Independent - The study analyzed medical records of 24,000 patients with dementia and 41,000 with mild cognitive impairment.

Newsweek - Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze patient health records and conducted advanced imaging studies of human brain tissue.

The Independent - Experiments in mice engineered to have Alzheimer’s-like symptoms were conducted to identify potential mechanisms behind glucosamine's effects.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 01:48 UTC)

A new study from researchers at the University of Florida reveals concerning findings about glucosamine, showing that people with Alzheimer’s disease who took the supplement were 25% more likely to die within five years compared to those who did not. Additionally, individuals with mild cognitive impairment taking glucosamine were found to be 25% more likely to develop dementia, with about 8% of dementia patients in the study reporting its use. The analysis, which utilized anonymized medical records from UF Health and involved advanced imaging studies and experiments on mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, suggests that glucosamine may worsen metabolic dysfunction in the brain, potentially contributing to cognitive decline.