Popular Joint Supplement Glucosamine Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline

A major study suggested that glucosamine, a popular supplement for joint pain, could be linked to faster progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. This is an observational finding, not a randomized trial, so it cannot establish causation. However, it raises a potential safety signal for a supplement widely used by older adults who are also the population most at risk for cognitive decline. The mechanism is unclear. Glucosamine is often taken for years or decades by older adults. If the association holds in further research, it would represent a case where a supplement marketed for one benefit (joint health) may carry an unrelated risk (cognitive). Consumers should not stop taking glucosamine based on one observational study, but should be aware of the finding.

Glucosamine supplementation linked to faster progression from mild cognitive impairment.