THE IMPACT OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN ELDERLY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Martyna Kaplińska; Dawid Siemieniuk; Aleksandra Kowalska; Hanna Wilska; Dominik Domoń; Dominika Domanowska; Adam Niedziela; Antoni Liebert; Natalia Klimek

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3516

Martyna Kaplińska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1236-0166
Dawid Siemieniuk National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1374-9822
Aleksandra Kowalska Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8205-8948
Hanna Wilska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6483-5440
Dominik Domoń Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7631-4563
Dominika Domanowska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2965-7754
Adam Niedziela Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6178-6484
Antoni Liebert Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8778-1803
Natalia Klimek Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3644-2529

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(47).2025.3516

Keywords: Creatine Supplementation, Cognitive Function, Aging, Memory, Executive Function, Neuroprotection

Abstract

Introduction: Age-related cognitive decline is a growing public health concern, affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Recent studies suggest that creatine supplementation may improve cognitive performance by supporting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. However, findings are mixed. This systematic review examines the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive functions in older adults.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/Medline and EMBASE databases (2003–2025) were searched using the phrase “the effect of creatine supplementation on cognitive functions in the elderly.” After screening 35 studies, four systematic reviews and meta-analyses met inclusion criteria. These studies assessed cognitive function through neuropsychological tests measuring memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed.

Results: Meta-analyses indicated favorable effects of creatine on memory and processing speed in older adults. Xu et al. reported significant improvements in memory (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18–0.44) and processing speed (SMD = −0.51, 95% CI: −1.01 to −0.01), with no significant effect on global cognition or executive function. Prokopidis et al. found the most pronounced effects in adults aged 66–76. McMorris et al. highlighted inconsistencies across studies, while Stares et al. found no additional benefit when creatine was combined with resistance training.

Conclusions: Creatine supplementation may offer moderate cognitive benefits, particularly for memory and processing speed, in older adults—especially those with low baseline creatine or cardiovascular issues. Effects on global cognition and executive function appear limited. More high-quality, long-term randomized controlled trials are needed. Creatine’s neuroprotective properties may support its use in cognitive health strategies, especially alongside physical activity and proper nutrition.

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THE IMPACT OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN ELDERLY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

References

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