Bioenergetic data from a creatine monohydrate pilot trial in Alzheimer's disease
Matthew K Taylor1,2, Aaron N Smith1, In-Young Choi3,4,5,6
1Department of Dietetics and Nutrition University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City Kansas USA.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia (New York, N. Y.)
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Creatine monohydrate supplementation improved energy availability in Alzheimer's disease patients. Mitochondrial function increased in females, suggesting potential sex-specific benefits for this neurodegenerative condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to bioenergetic failure.
- Creatine monohydrate (CrM) may support ATP buffering and mitochondrial function.
- Previous studies showed CrM increases brain creatine and improves cognition in AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CrM supplementation improves bioenergetic biomarkers in AD.
- To explore sex-dependent bioenergetic responses to CrM.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study with 20 AD participants (35% female) over 8 weeks.
- Measured brain N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and glutathione (GSH) via 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
- Assessed mitochondrial respiration, ATP/ADP levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in blood cells.
Main Results:
- Brain NAA and GSH levels did not change.
- In females, platelet and lymphocyte mitochondrial respiration significantly increased.
- Lymphocyte ADP and ATP levels rose in both sexes, while ATP/ADP ratio remained stable.
Conclusions:
- CrM may enhance systemic energy availability in both sexes and mitochondrial capacity in females with AD.
- Preliminary findings support CrM as a potential bioenergetic intervention for AD.
- Further research with RCTs is needed to confirm sex-specific effects.
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