Research Symposium

BIO

I am a second-year student studying Exercise Physiology on a pre-dental track! My research interests include human health, wellness, and physiology. Here at FSU, I am actively involved in FSU Campus Recreation, the Honors Student Association, and Chi Omega Sorority. I am passionate about spending time with my friends and family, staying active, and traveling! I was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa; in the future, I would love to return to my roots for dental school!

Impact of Creatine Supplementation on Cognitive Performance and Mental Health in Geriatric Populations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Creatine monohydrate supplementation is associated with improved ATP turnover rates and energy metabolism. This pilot study assesses the impact of creatine monohydrate supplementation on neuropsychological performance in geriatric populations, a group at high risk of neurological diseases. METHODS: Twelve older adults (M = 5, W = 7; Mean ± SE: 66 ± 1 years) randomly consumed creatine monohydrate(CM) or placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Both pre- and post-supplementation, participants completed The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, a comprehensive evaluation of 5 cognitive domains. Some participants completed questionnaires: Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). After 4 weeks, independent samples t-tests (p < 0.05) were used to assess group differences in score changes. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in mean delta change in scores for Immediate Memory, with CM group improving more drastically than PL group (CM = 15.33 ± 2.42, PL = -2.67 ± 3.81), t (10) = 3.99, p = 0.003. Similar improvements were noted for Language (CM = 9.67 ± 1.73, PL = -3.33 ± 2.75, t (10) = 4.001, p = 0.003) and Total Score (CM = 12 ± 3.4, PL = -0.67 ± 3.48, t (10) = 2.61, p = 0.026). No significant differences were found for other subcategories or questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that 4 weeks of CM supplementation shows promise in alleviating cognitive decline in geriatric populations, capable of enhancing cognitive disciplines including immediate memory, language, and overall cognitive performance.

Keywords: Creatine, Cognition, Mental Health, Geriatric