Examining the effects of creatine and exercise training on cognition in older adults with MCI

What is this Study about?

Older adults are at greater risk for experiencing a reduction in cognitive and physical function. It is imperative that we identify health behaviors and non-pharmacological (i.e., non-medication) interventions to mitigate these declines. One promising lifestyle intervention to prevent or delay the onset of such declines is exercise, which has been found to improve cognitive function (mental abilities used to perform simple and complex tasks), physical function (muscle mass, bone density) and brain health (structure and function). There is also research demonstrating that creatine, a naturally occurring compound in the body known to decrease with age, can increase muscle mass and bone density in older adults when supplemented. However, it is unclear what effects creatine may have on cognition and brain health in older adults. Thus, our project will investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on cognition and brain health in older adults when combined with different types of exercise. Given the safety, accessibility and known reduction in creatine levels with age, examining how creatine supplementation may benefit older adults is well worth investigating.

What Will Happen in This Study?

The study begins with a phone screening to determine eligibility. Eligible participants will attend a baseline visit at Western University lasting approximately 2.5–3 hours. This visit includes consent, demographic and health questionnaires, cognitive testing, physical assessments (functional mobility, grip strength, bone density, and brain blood flow), blood sampling, and an optional MRI scan. Participants will then be randomly assigned to one of four groups that include consuming a dietary supplement daily (creatine or dextrose) and participating in one of two exercise groups three times per week during the 26-week intervention. After 26 weeks, participants will complete an endpoint visit.

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

To be eligible to participate in this study you must:

• be 60 years of age or older

• be living independently in the community

• have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing

• read, write, and speak English fluently

• have feelings of memory decline in the past 5 years

• be able to exercise at a moderate pace for 60 minutes 3x/week receive clearance from a medical doctor (once deemed eligible) to participate in an exercise program

You are ineligible to participate in this study if you:

• cannot partake or commit to exercise training 3x/week for 26 weeks or have regularly engaged in exercise (more than once per week) over the past 3 months

• cannot partake or commit to consuming a daily supplement for 26 weeks or consumed nutritional supplements containing creatine monohydrate over the past 3 months

• have a known allergy to creatine monohydrate or dextrose (glucose, D-glucose)

• have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease)

• have pre-existing kidney disease, heart disease, or liver abnormalities

• have one or more uncontrolled chronic or psychiatric conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety)

• are taking medication that may impact kidney function (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen)

• are ineligible or uncomfortable with blood sampling.

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