Creatine is one of the most studied and well-known supplements in the sports world: its ability to support muscle and bone health, especially when paired with resistance training, is well documented. In recent years, however, some studies have suggested that this compound could also have positive effects on the brain, particularly on memory and attention, opening up intriguing possibilities for cognitive health in older adults. A systematic review of the literature has examined existing research in depth to understand whether creatine supplementation can truly help keep the mind sharp as we age.
The research included studies conducted on people aged 55 and older, in which cognitive function was assessed as the primary outcome. Six studies were identified in total, involving more than 1,500 participants, mainly healthy community-dwelling adults, with just one study conducted on older overweight women. Two of these were true double-blind clinical trials, in which participants received creatine monohydrate as a supplement, while the other four were observational studies that estimated creatine intake through dietary questionnaires.
Five of the six studies reported a positive association between creatine and cognitive performance, especially in memory and attention tasks, suggesting a potential protective role for this compound. However, the methodological quality of the research was heterogeneous. The authors of the review emphasize the need to conduct larger, higher-quality clinical trials, including older adults with evident cognitive deficits and objectively measuring creatine levels in the body and brain. Until new data emerge, using creatine as a memory aid for the elderly remains an intriguing but still unproven possibility.
Renato Torlaschi
A study conducted by researchers at Western University in London, Canada. Marshall S, Kitzan A, Wright J, Bocicariu L, Nagamatsu LS. Creatine and Cognition in Aging: A Systematic Review of Evidence in Older Adults. Nutr Rev. 2025 Sep 13:nuaf135.
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