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Millions of Americans take glucosamine daily for the joint pain of arthritis. New research from University of Florida raises questions about its safety. Published in the journal Nature Metabolism, regular consumption of glucosamines is associated with faster progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers analyzed health records from thousands of patients using artificial intelligence. After accounting for factors such as age, sex, and demographics, they find that glucosamine users with mild cognitive impairment have a 25 percent higher likelihood of progressing to dementia compared with non-users. The study finds only an association and does not prove that glucosamine causes these outcomes.

To understand what could be happening, the scientists examined brain tissue and conducted experiments in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. They discovered that glucosamine appears to increase a biological process that adds sugar molecules to proteins. This sugar-tagging system is already overactive in Alzheimer’s brains, and accelerating it may contribute to disease progression with memory decline. When researchers reduce the activity of this pathway, memory performance improves. Similar abnormalities are also found in human Alzheimer’s brain tissue.

The investigators emphasize that people should not panic or stop medications based solely because of this study. Clinical trials will be needed to determine whether glucosamine truly contributes to Alzheimer’s progression or whether other factors are involved.

Still, the findings highlight how supplements that seem harmless may have unexpected effects in people with certain medical conditions. If you or a loved one takes glucosamine and has memory issues, this study may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#Alzheimers #BrainHealth #Glucosamine #DementiaResearch #HealthNews