By C², Connie Colleen Wyatt, Occupational Therapist, PNW Home for Life, PLLC.
Did you know that a common supplement, often associated with athletes, might help our loved ones with dementia think more clearly and feel better? It’s called creatine, and recent research suggests it could be a valuable tool in supporting brain health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11733680/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
🧠 What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a natural substance found in our muscles and brains. It helps produce energy, especially during activities that require quick bursts of effort. While our bodies make creatine, we also get it from foods like meat and fish. For years, athletes have used creatine supplements to improve performance.
🧠 Creatine and Brain Health
Recent studies have explored how creatine might benefit the brain, particularly in older adults. Research indicates that creatine supplementation can enhance memory and cognitive function in healthy individuals, with more pronounced effects in older adults aged 66–76 years. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35984306/
💡 Easy and Affordable Ways to Get Started
Introducing creatine into your loved one’s routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Creatine monohydrate supplements are widely available and relatively low-cost. A typical daily dose ranges from 3 to 5 grams. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially to ensure it’s appropriate for your loved one’s specific health needs.
👩⚕️ A Caregiver’s Perspective
As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen how small, thoughtful interventions can make a significant difference in the lives of those with dementia. At PNW Home for Life, we focus on holistic, person-centered care. Exploring options like creatine supplementation, under medical guidance, aligns with our commitment to enhancing quality of life through accessible means.
🌟 The Takeaway
Creatine supplementation offers a promising, low-cost, and generally safe approach to support cognitive function in older adults, including those with dementia. While more research is needed, the current evidence suggests potential benefits worth considering. Always consult with healthcare professionals before introducing new supplements into your loved one’s care plan.
🌟 Empowering Care Through Knowledge and Compassion. Because small habits—like the scoop of creatine I’ve taken for years—can lead to big, brain-boosting results.
— C² | Lifting Minds with the Same Fuel That Lifts My Day
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