Is Creatine Protective in Neurodegenerative Disease?

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are thought to have roles in aging and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many dietary supplements that improve energy metabolism have been proposed as potentially therapeutic, but supporting data are limited. These authors review the scientific basis for using such compounds in treating neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders.

Creatine appears to be a particularly promising therapy. Oral creatine supplementation (1) increases brain levels of creatine and phosphocreatine and (2) inhibits activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition -- actions that may be neuroprotective. Baseline bra…