Millions Take This Joint Supplement but Scientists Found a Concerning Alzheimer’s Link
Researchers found glucosamine was linked to worse cognition and about 25% higher mortality in Alzheimer’s patients over five years.
- On June 9, 2026, a University of Florida study published in Nature Metabolism found that regular glucosamine use is associated with a 25% higher likelihood of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
- Researchers identified 'hyperglycosylation,' a process where brain proteins receive excessive sugar tags, as a metabolic driver of Alzheimer's; because glucosamine is a sugar-related molecule, it may exacerbate this dysfunction in brains already affected by the condition.
- The analysis of health records from 2012 to 2024 included 24,000 patients with dementia and 41,000 with mild cognitive impairment, finding that glucosamine use was linked to a 25% increase in mortality risk among dementia patients.
- Study coauthor Matt Gentry, Ph.D., stressed that these findings represent an association rather than proof of causality, and experts advise patients to consult a physician before stopping any supplement regimen.
- Principal investigator Ramon Sun, Ph.D., noted that while glucosamine appears safe for healthy brains, future clinical trials could determine if stopping the supplement slows cognitive decline, with metabolic interventions potentially complementing existing treatments.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Glucosamine supplements may speed memory loss from Alzheimer's, new research shows
People with Alzheimer's disease who took the common supplement glucosamine were 25% more likely to die within five years than those who didn't. That's the key finding of a new study that my colleagues and I published in the journal Nature Metabolism.
Millions Take This Joint Supplement but Scientists Found a Concerning Alzheimer’s Link
Scientists found a concerning Alzheimer’s link involving glucosamine, a joint supplement used by millions. A widely used supplement marketed for joint pain relief may be linked to faster progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from University of Florida scientists. The study found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who reported taking glucosamine [...]
Common pill taken by millions linked to faster Alzheimer's decline
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Popular Supplement Is Associated with the Risk of Developing Alzheimer's, Reveals Study; Understands
People with Alzheimer's disease who took the common supplement glucosamine were 25% more likely to die in up to five years than those who did not. This is the main conclusion of a new study that my colleagues and I published in the scientific journal Nature Metabolism. glucosamine is a sugar molecule sold without a prescription as a treatment for joint pain and arthritis. More than 40 million Americans use it every year. We also found that gluco…
When the knees are painful when climbing stairs or the fingers are stiff in the morning, many resort to glucosamine – a remedy for joint pain. However, a new study links the dietary supplement to dementia.

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