A widely used joint pain supplement may be linked to faster progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, according to a new study published in Nature Metabolism.

Researchers at the University of Florida found that people with mild cognitive impairment who reported using glucosamine were 25 percent more likely to progress to dementia than those who did not use the supplement. The study was published on June 9, 2026.

Glucosamine is an over-the-counter supplement commonly used for joint pain and arthritis. Researchers said the findings are important because the supplement is widely used by older adults, who are also more likely to be at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

The study also found that among patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, glucosamine use was associated with a 25 percent higher risk of death. Researchers stressed that the findings show an association and do not prove that glucosamine directly causes dementia or death.

The research was based on a large analysis of anonymised University of Florida Health records, along with imaging studies of human brain tissue and experiments using mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers said the results add to growing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease may involve metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, in addition to the better-known buildup of amyloid plaques and tau proteins in the brain.

Neuropsychologist Dr Jessica McCarthy told Newsweek that because glucosamine can cross the blood-brain barrier, it may worsen metabolic pathways that are already disrupted in people with cognitive decline.

The researchers said more work, including human clinical trials, is needed to confirm the findings. They advised that people taking glucosamine, especially those with memory problems or dementia, should consult a doctor before making changes to their supplements or treatment plan.

The findings highlight the need for patients to discuss over-the-counter supplements with healthcare professionals, particularly when they have existing neurological conditions or take other medications.

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