University of Florida study links glucosamine to dementia progression

A study from the University of Florida, published in Nature Metabolism, has identified a potential link between the use of glucosamine—a common over-the-counter joint supplement—and the progression of cognitive decline.

Using artificial intelligence to analyze anonymized health records from 2012 to 2024, researchers found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who used glucosamine had a 25% higher likelihood of progressing to dementia. Among patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD), glucosamine use was associated with a 25% higher risk of mortality.

Lead researcher Ramon Sun and his team emphasized that these findings are based on a retrospective analysis of health records and show an association rather than direct causation. The researchers noted that further controlled human clinical trials are necessary to determine if the supplement directly contributes to disease progression. The study combined medical record analysis with animal models and human brain tissue examinations to explore biological mechanisms involving glucosamine metabolism.