Popular Joint Supplement Glucosamine Linked to Faster Alzheimer's Disease Progression, Study Finds

A popular supplement commonly taken for joint pain may have an unexpected downside for brain health, according to a new study that links its use to faster progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers from the University of Florida found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who regularly used glucosamine were about 25% more likely to develop dementia than non-users. The findings, published in Nature Metabolism, are based on patient health records, human brain tissue analyses, and experiments in mouse models.

The team analyzed electronic health records collected between 2012 and 2024, including thousands of patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias or MCI. About 8% of patients reported taking glucosamine, a supplement widely marketed for joint health.

After adjusting for age, sex, and other factors, researchers found that glucosamine use was associated with a 25% higher risk of progression from MCI to dementia. Among people already diagnosed with Alzheimer's and related dementias, supplement use was also linked to a 25% higher risk of death. However, the researchers emphasize that the study shows an association, not proof that glucosamine causes dementia.

To understand the possible mechanism, the team investigated how glucosamine affects the brain. They found that the supplement appears to increase a biological process known as protein sugar-tagging, which was already excessively active in Alzheimer's brains.

Experiments in mice showed that glucosamine increased this abnormal sugar-tagging activity and worsened memory problems. When researchers blocked the process, memory performance improved. Analysis of donated human brain tissue also revealed much higher levels of protein sugar-tagging in Alzheimer's brains than in healthy brains.

While the findings raise important questions about glucosamine use in people with cognitive impairment, experts stress that the results need confirmation in clinical trials. People taking glucosamine, especially those with memory problems or dementia, should not stop the supplement on their own but discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

REFERENCE: Tara R. Hawkinson, Zizhen Liu, et al.; Hyperglycosylation is a metabolic driver of Alzheimer’s disease. Nature Metabolism, 2026; DOI: 10.1038/s42255-026-01538-4