Researchers from the University of Florida examined data from thousands of patients with memory problems and dementia.
At the same time, they analyzed brain tissue and conducted experiments on mice.
The study, published in Nature Metabolism, found that a specific biological process was more active in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease.
The process involves how sugar molecules bind to proteins in the brain. According to the researchers, this activity may contribute to worsening the disease.
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Analysis of patient data
The researchers reviewed anonymized medical records from the period 2012 to 2024.
They compared individuals with mild cognitive impairment to those who had already developed dementia.
The results showed that people with mild cognitive impairment had a higher risk of later developing dementia if they used the dietary supplement examined by the researchers.
Experiments in mice also showed that increased activity in the biological process was associated with poorer memory.
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The dietary supplement
Only after completing the other analyses did the researchers turn their attention to glucosamine, a dietary supplement that many people use for joint pain.
According to the study, the use of glucosamine was associated with a 25 percent higher risk of people with mild cognitive impairment developing dementia.
Among individuals who already had a dementia-related illness, the researchers also observed a 25 percent higher risk of mortality.
However, the researchers emphasize that the study only shows an association. It does not prove that glucosamine causes the development of dementia.
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Further research is therefore needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
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