Glucosamine and its potential to reduce dementia risk: A literature review

Abstract

Dementia is the leading cause of dependency among individuals aged 65 years and older in Japan, underscoring the importance of preventive strategies to extend healthy life expectancy. Recent evidence suggests that glucosamine supplementation, known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, may contribute to reducing the risk of dementia. This review aimed to examine cohort studies investigating the association between glucosamine use and the prevention of dementia. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and J-Stage. One prospective cohort study utilizing data from the UK Biobank reported that habitual glucosamine users had significantly lower risks of all-cause dementia (16% reduction), Alzheimer’s disease (17%), and vascular dementia (26%). Furthermore, Mendelian randomization analysis suggested a potential causal relationship between glucosamine intake and reduced dementia risk. Another study demonstrated a 21% reduction in dementia risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes who used glucosamine after diabetes onset. In contrast, a large-scale cohort study found no significant association between glucosamine use and the incidence of dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Although current evidence supports the potential of glucosamine to reduce dementia risk through anti-inflammatory pathways, limitations such as insufficient data on dosage, relatively short follow-up periods, and population-specific findings highlight the need for further research. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes, optimal dosing strategies, and applicability to Asian populations. Glucosamine may offer promise as a functional food component for promoting healthy aging through its multifaceted benefits.