People on weight-loss drugs report fingernails falling off as researchers uncover surprising link

People taking GLP-1 medications for obesity or diabetes experience nail detachment and hair loss at significantly higher rates than people with similar overall health who do not take GLP-1s.

That's according to research presented Oct. 1 at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2026 in Vienna, Austria.

Two studies evaluated 575 users of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs and a control group of 1,329 non-users, all of whom had type 2 diabetes, obesity or both. Participants were recruited across France, the U.S, Brazil and Mexico.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS FACE NUMEROUS LAWSUITS OVER RARE ‘EYE STROKE’ LINKED TO VISION LOSS

In the primary study examining nail health, 39% of GLP-1 users reported nail detachment compared with 9% of non-users. Discoloration of the nails affected 46% of GLP-1 users versus 17% in the control group.

Overall, two-thirds of GLP-1 users (66%) reported experiencing at least one nail disorder, compared with 53% of the control group.

Researchers found that weight loss alone did not explain the difference.

Even when researchers looked only at people who lost weight, those taking GLP-1s were still more likely to have these problems.

After adjusting for existing dermatological conditions and nutritional deficiencies, nail detachment and discoloration remained two to three times more frequent among the medication group.

"Until now, nail changes associated with GLP-1 therapies had essentially been anecdotal," study author Dr. Charles Taïeb, a clinical dermatologist at Necker University Hospital in Paris, said in a press release.

"Our findings show a clear association, but they also underline an important point: Not everything that happens during GLP-1 treatment is necessarily caused by the treatment itself."

POPULAR GLP-1 WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS LINKED TO POTENTIALLY DEADLY BRAIN DISORDER

In another study evaluating hair and scalp conditions among the same group of participants, 50% of GLP-1 users reported unusual hair loss compared with 34% of the control group.

After starting treatment, 26% of GLP-1 users reported hair loss or thinning, compared with 12% of those not taking the drugs. Loss of hair volume was also more common, affecting 42% of GLP-1 users compared with 19% of those not taking them, the study found.

Scalp redness was reported around three times as frequently in GLP-1 users, and hair loss among users was typically accompanied by inflammatory scalp symptoms such as itching, scaling or redness, the researchers noted.

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"This suggests that what is happening on the scalp may go beyond the classical shedding seen after rapid weight loss and involve an inflammatory component," said study author Dr. Bruno Halioua, a Paris dermatologist, in the release.

"Scalp inflammation was the rule rather than the exception, which clinicians do not currently look for and which may be treatable."

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Halioua stated that patients experiencing these symptoms should consult a physician rather than stopping their medication, noting that the changes are typically not serious enough to warrant discontinuing treatment.

The authors emphasized that because both studies relied on patient-reported data and looked at them at a single point in time, the findings only show associations and cannot prove that the medications caused these effects.

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Roughly half of the GLP-1 users surveyed reported having nail issues prior to starting treatment.

The research team is planning further studies to determine when these changes occur, what may be causing them and whether they go away over time.

The studies received institutional support from DUCRAY Laboratories, a division of the Pierre Fabre Group.

Fox News Digital reached out to GLP-1 manufacturers requesting comment.

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Shingles rates fall off a cliff among some Americans as researchers reveal likely reason

Shingles rates have dropped sharply among younger U.S. adults, as the first generation eligible for routine childhood chickenpox vaccination is now in their late 20s.

That’s according to a major study led by Epic Research, which analyzed the electronic health records of more than 85 million adults.

The biggest drop was between people born from 1991 to 1995 and those born from 1996 to 2000.

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"Shingles is caused by a virus that is harbored in the peripheral nerves — varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox — which can remain dormant and later reactivate, particularly during stress or other decreased immune responses, resulting in a shingles risk," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

About 46 out of every 10,000 people in the older group were diagnosed with shingles, compared with just 17 out of every 10,000 in the younger group — a 62% decrease.

The study period was between January 2017 and June 2026, with the findings published on Oct. 2, 2026.

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Overall, shingles was found to be much more common in older adults. About 182 out of every 10,000 people born between 1968 and 1975 were diagnosed with the condition, compared with just seven out of every 10,000 born between 2006 and 2008.

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"Shingles diagnoses rise steeply with age, but the newer signal is a sharp drop that begins with people who were eligible for the childhood chickenpox vaccine in the mid-1990s," study author Kersten Bartelt, a research clinician in Verona, Wisconsin, told Fox News Digital.

"This is the pattern we would expect if childhood chickenpox vaccination lowers the risk of developing shingles later in life."

If the trend continues as vaccinated groups grow older, it would suggest that childhood chickenpox vaccination could offer a lasting benefit in reducing shingles, "which is something continued follow-up and research will clarify," Bartelt added.

Siegel agreed that this data aligns with previous research showing that by preventing the initial infection via the chicken pox vaccine ("or causing a very mild version of a live virus vaccine") the risk of shingles is significantly reduced.

He noted that the vaccine uses a weakened form of the virus, which is much less likely to reactivate later in life and cause shingles.

There were some limitations of the study, including that the researchers did not determine whether individual patients had actually received the varicella vaccination during childhood.

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"This is a descriptive, observational study, so it shows associations rather than cause and effect," Bartelt said.

Healthcare disruption due to the COVID pandemic in 2020-2021 could have also affected diagnosis rates and skewed the results, the researchers noted.

Future studies are needed to confirm a link between childhood vaccination histories and long-term shingles outcomes.

"People should continue to follow established vaccine recommendations and talk with their clinician about the shingles vaccine when they're eligible," Bartelt advised. "It's also a reminder that shingles can occur in younger adults, so anyone with a painful, blistering rash should seek timely evaluation."

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While people who received the chickenpox vaccine have a lower risk of developing shingles, Siegel said he still recommends that eligible people get the shingles vaccine to further reduce that risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends shingles vaccination for adults 50 and older, as well as certain immunocompromised adults 19 and older, including people who previously received the varicella vaccine.

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People who live to 100 have 3 drinks in common, longevity expert says

In the world’s "blue zones" — regions such as Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan, known for unusually high concentrations of long-lived residents — researchers have studied dietary and lifestyle habits for clues to healthy aging and longevity.

In a recent video post, longevity researcher Dan Buettner highlighted three beverages commonly consumed in blue zones — and studies offer some clues about how each may affect health and longevity.

Buettner ranked water first among his three longevity drinks.

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"The indisputable, best thing you can drink to live to 100 [is] water," he stated. "People in blue zones are drinking six to seven glasses of water. You want to make sure it is purified water. Water helps lower your blood pressure, helps keep your blood thin and keeps you hydrated."

Research from the National Institutes of Health has linked better hydration with healthier aging, including lower risks of chronic disease and premature death, although researchers noted that the findings do not prove cause and effect.

Other health experts note that adequate water intake supports kidney function, helps regulate blood pressure and keeps blood circulating effectively.

Coffee consumption is another daily habit highlighted by Buettner, who said it is associated with lower rates of diabetes and Parkinson's.

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"Drink it black, one to two cups a day, quit by noon, it'll help you live longer," he added.

Coffee contains antioxidants and polyphenols, plant compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. Routine coffee consumption has also been associated with lower risks of type 2 diabetes and neurological conditions.

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Limiting added sugars and heavy creams can help avoid extra calories, while consuming caffeine earlier in the day may reduce its impact on sleep.

Residents in blue zone areas, like Sardinia, often consume small amounts of red wine during meals.

Buettner acknowledged that red wine's place in a longevity-focused diet is "controversial."

"I'm very well aware of all the negative press wine is getting lately, but it's consumed in the blue zones and it seems to add years to life."

Red wine contains plant compounds such as resveratrol and flavonoids, which have been studied for their potential cardiovascular effects. However, experts have increasingly questioned whether any benefits attributed to red wine outweigh the known risks of alcohol.

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Alcohol consumption has been linked to numerous health risks, including an increased risk of at least seven types of cancer, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

People with underlying health conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

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Alan Alda reveals unexpected weapon in his battle against Parkinson's disease

Alan Alda is sharing his surprising method of coping with Parkinson’s.

The actor, 90, best known for portraying Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in the CBS wartime sitcom "M*A*S*H," was diagnosed with the degenerative motor disease in 2015 and publicly shared the news in 2018. 

The diagnosis came after the actor learned that his own behavior of acting out dreams could be an early Parkinson's symptom.

DAD JOKES MAY BE GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN IN ONE SURPRISING WAY, EXPERTS SAY

"I had a symptom, which at the time was not that well-known: Acting out your dreams," he said in an Oct. 4 interview with CBS News. "I had a dream that somebody was attacking me. And I picked up a sack of potatoes and threw it at 'em. What I was really doing was throwing a pillow at Arlene, my wife."

Alda identified humor as his way of coping with the frustrations and limitations of the disease.

While he acknowledged the frustrations of the physical effects and limitations of Parkinson’s, he said "the best way to deal with anything that's a little bit of a problem is to find out what's funny about it and laugh at it."

In one example, he shared that when he has trouble controlling the computer mouse while composing an email, he personifies his condition as "Dr. Parkinson," moving his hand all over the screen and deleting things.

"I don't let Parkinson's define me," Alda said, joking that he sees the disease as "just a hobby."

PARKINSON’S PATIENT’S YEARS-LONG TREMOR VANISHES WITHIN MINUTES OF NEW ULTRASOUND TREATMENT

Rather than wishing he didn’t have the condition, the actor said he aims to accept his current reality.

"I really think reality is my friend," he said. "I don't want to wish it away. I can't wish it away. I can't hope for a better future. I gotta accept what is."

Although Alda acknowledged that everyday tasks, such as buttoning his shirt, have become difficult, he said he treats each one like a "puzzle" to solve.

"I do hate it, but the only thing that's helpful is: What haven't I tried? And pretty soon, you get the feeling, 'If I keep looking for new ways to try this, I'll get a solution.' It's a puzzle. Will I be able eventually to put my socks on? The last time I put my socks on was a tremendous moment to celebrate!"

SCIENTISTS REVEAL SURPRISING BRAIN BENEFIT OF LAUGHTER: 'IT'S A MENTAL WORKOUT'

Dr. Chadrick Lane, a neuropsychiatrist and director of the geriatric and neuropsychiatry clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, agreed that humor can be a helpful wellness tool for those navigating the Parkinson's journey.

"Humor involves cognitive reframing, this idea of looking at a circumstance through different angles — not necessarily changing the reality that one is in, but shifting the meaning and the emotional weight of the situation," Lane, who has not treated Alda, told Fox News Digital.

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When something feels frightening or distressing, such as a medical diagnosis, creating some "psychological distance" can make a "big, big change" in perspective, he added.

Connection is another important component of humor, Lane noted.

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"Humor is often shared. It brings us together," he said. "We are meant to share our lives with others. The importance of having a sense of belonging and humor can be a glue in that way, bringing us closer with others so that one does not go on the journey alone."

Lane shared that he has witnessed the power of humor and connection in his own practice as he cares for people living with Parkinson's disease.

"One of the wonderful things that I've seen in those settings is that, just like Mr. Alda, people crack a joke, [it] brings them a smile."

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The neuropsychiatrist also noted that Alda’s acceptance of his condition is "enormously empowering."

"It's the idea of saying to oneself, what are the choices that I can make in the moment?" Lane told Fox News Digital. "Rarely do we ever have control over our entire day and certainly not our entire life, but we often do have control over what we choose in the movement."

"Our sense of agency is an important part of our emotional well-being."

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10 rules for living longer, seeing your grandkids grow up and enjoying your retirement savings

As scientists increasingly investigate how everyday habits may influence health and aging, one longevity doctor says the keys to a longer, healthier life don't require expensive supplements, elaborate biohacks or cutting-edge treatments.

Dr. Michael Hall, a Miami Beach longevity physician and author of the new book, "Infinite Youth," has identified what he calls the "10 commandments of longevity," which he believes can help people extend their healthiest years.

Hall said the principles were shaped by nearly two decades in longevity medicine and by observing health and aging across cultures around the world.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

"These are core elements that are not peptides, they're not NAD," Hall told Fox News Digital. "It's not that you've got to buy a fancy thing on Amazon." Instead, he said, "you start out with the basics and you maintain them consistently."

"If you’re embracing some of these things, you are doing exactly what you need to do — and these don’t cost anything."

The content that people repeatedly consume — particularly when it’s fear-based or negative — can shape their behavior, according to Hall. He sees protecting attention as part of protecting health, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about what people consume mentally.

"What you put in your mind, you need to be very careful about," he said. "What you think, you become."

ONE SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHOICE COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, SAYS LONGEVITY EXPERT

A recent study identified a "sweet spot" of about six to eight hours of sleep per day, which researchers linked to healthier aging and lower risks of premature death and disease.

Sleep is when the body recovers and the brain "resets," yet technology and poor sleep habits increasingly interfere with that process, according to Hall.

"Sleep is probably one of the most important things that we just don’t talk about enough," he said.

The expert pointed out that the body’s circadian rhythm responds naturally to light and darkness, while screens, artificial light and late bedtimes can disrupt that cycle.

"The bed is really for sleep and sex," Hall added.

A September 2026 study found that highly active older adults maintained high levels of aerobic fitness into their 60s, 70s and 80s, despite some normal age-related decline.

"Movement is life," Hall agreed. He recalled seeing older adults remain highly active during his time working in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, including women in their 90s who were still mobile and fit.

3 COMMON FACTORS MAY BE SECRETLY SPEEDING UP THE AGING PROCESS, EXPERT SAYS

Hall’s own routine includes walking, swimming, cycling and resistance work.

For everyday movement, he particularly recommends walking and squatting, which engage large muscle groups and help maintain strength and mobility.

Muscle strength helps support bones, posture and mobility, and may help reduce frailty and fall risk later in life, according to the longevity expert.

"You need to maintain that good, healthy posture and strength throughout your life," Hall said.

He connected loss of movement and strength with weakening muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, potentially increasing fall risk as people age.

"If you’re moving, you’re preserving strength, you’re maintaining your bones, because they go together," Hall said.

For optimal longevity nutrition, Hall recommends choosing minimally processed foods, with a focus on simple preparation, portion control and awareness of what goes into meals.

"Food is medicine, food is fuel, food is life," Hall said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

While Hall said he cooks his own meals, primarily chooses fresh foods and largely avoids foods that come "out of a bag or a box," he emphasizes portion control rather than complete deprivation.

"I don’t care what it is you love, you can have a bite," he said.

Having a mission gives people something beyond themselves to invest in, contributing to emotional well-being and a meaningful life, according to Hall.

"It’s the most important part of being human," he said. "Our mission … is our purpose."

That purpose does not have to come from an extraordinary calling, Hall suggested. Whether someone is a physician, firefighter, baker or coffee shop owner, serving others can provide a sense of meaning.

"If you’re just serving yourself, you aren’t going to be a happy person," he added.

"No one ages well alone," Hall said. "You cannot live alone. You’re not designed to be atomized living in a box alone."

Research published in October 2026 in PLOS One found that loneliness was associated with a higher risk of death at one, three and five years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Hall also pointed to companionship, family and meaningful relationships as important parts of his own life.

"Having people around you who appreciate you, who you can relate to, who can have a conversation with, have a laugh with, it’s so important," he said.

A 2025 study of more than 10,000 older adults with cognitive impairment found that greater participation in cognitively stimulating activities was associated with a lower risk of death over time.

"We’re needing to be challenged … as an individual and as a community and as society," Hall said.

Continuing to learn, explore and seek out new experiences could play a role in healthy aging, research has found.

Hall similarly believes curiosity helps people remain engaged with the world as they get older.

"Curiosity allows us to explore and to always be aware there’s something more," he told Fox News Digital. "You’re never going to know everything. So you’re always on the quest."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Curiosity has driven much of Hall’s travel and work around the world, he said, noting that getting older shouldn't mean stopping the pursuit of new experiences.

"We were children, and we never really grew up, by the way — we just get older in our bodies."

In his book, Hall describes healthy aging as keeping the body's metaphorical "funnel" as wide as possible for as long as possible.

He sees aging as a gradual narrowing of that funnel, with increasing physiological stress as the body loses some of its ability to maintain optimal function.

Keeping the funnel wide, he said, means supporting overall health and resilience through the fundamental habits outlined in his other commandments.

Ultimately, Hall said his goal is not simply to help people accumulate more birthdays, but to make those additional years healthier and more meaningful.

"I’m selling healthspan as much as I possibly can," he said. "Your best years of your life, the best living you can possibly have, sharing with others and making society better."

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Doctor's 10 rules for living longer, celebrating more birthdays and making extra years count

As scientists increasingly investigate how everyday habits may influence health and aging, one longevity doctor says the keys to a longer, healthier life don't require expensive supplements, elaborate biohacks or cutting-edge treatments.

Dr. Michael Hall, a Miami Beach longevity physician and author of the new book "Infinite Youth," has identified what he calls the "10 commandments of longevity," which he believes can help people extend their healthiest years.

Hall said the principles were shaped by nearly two decades in longevity medicine and by observing health and aging across cultures around the world.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

"These are core elements that are not peptides, they're not NAD," Hall told Fox News Digital. "It's not that you've got to buy a fancy thing on Amazon." Instead, he said, "you start out with the basics and you maintain them consistently."

"If you’re embracing some of these things, you are doing exactly what you need to do — and these don’t cost anything."

The content that people repeatedly consume — particularly when it’s fear-based or negative — can shape their behavior, according to Hall. He sees protecting attention as part of protecting health, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about what people consume mentally.

"What you put in your mind, you need to be very careful about," he said. "What you think, you become."

ONE SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHOICE COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, SAYS LONGEVITY EXPERT

A recent study identified a "sweet spot" of about six to eight hours of sleep per day, which researchers linked to healthier aging and lower risks of premature death and disease.

Sleep is when the body recovers and the brain "resets," yet technology and poor sleep habits increasingly interfere with that process, according to Hall.

"Sleep is probably one of the most important things that we just don’t talk about enough," he said.

The expert pointed out that the body’s circadian rhythm responds naturally to light and darkness, while screens, artificial light and late bedtimes can disrupt that cycle.

"The bed is really for sleep and sex," Hall added.

A September 2026 study found that highly active older adults maintained high levels of aerobic fitness into their 60s, 70s and 80s, despite some normal age-related decline.

"Movement is life," Hall agreed. He recalled seeing older adults remain highly active during his time working in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, including women in their 90s who were still mobile and fit.

3 COMMON FACTORS MAY BE SECRETLY SPEEDING UP THE AGING PROCESS, EXPERT SAYS

Hall’s own routine includes walking, swimming, cycling and resistance work.

For everyday movement, he particularly recommends walking and squatting, which engage large muscle groups and help maintain strength and mobility.

Muscle strength helps support bones, posture and mobility, and may help reduce frailty and fall risk later in life, according to the longevity expert.

"You need to maintain that good, healthy posture and strength throughout your life," Hall said.

He connected loss of movement and strength with weakening muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, potentially increasing fall risk as people age.

"If you’re moving, you’re preserving strength, you’re maintaining your bones, because they go together," Hall said.

For optimal longevity nutrition, Hall recommends choosing minimally processed foods, with a focus on simple preparation, portion control and awareness of what goes into meals.

"Food is medicine, food is fuel, food is life," Hall said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

While Hall said he cooks his own meals, primarily chooses fresh foods and largely avoids foods that come "out of a bag or a box," he emphasizes portion control rather than complete deprivation.

"I don’t care what it is you love, you can have a bite," he said.

Having a mission gives people something beyond themselves to invest in, contributing to emotional well-being and a meaningful life, according to Hall.

"It’s the most important part of being human," he said. "Our mission … is our purpose."

That purpose does not have to come from an extraordinary calling, Hall suggested. Whether someone is a physician, firefighter, baker or coffee shop owner, serving others can provide a sense of meaning.

"If you’re just serving yourself, you aren’t going to be a happy person," he added.

"No one ages well alone," Hall said. "You cannot live alone. You’re not designed to be atomized living in a box alone."

Research published in October 2026 in PLOS One found that loneliness was associated with a higher risk of death at one, three and five years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Hall also pointed to companionship, family and meaningful relationships as important parts of his own life.

"Having people around you who appreciate you, who you can relate to, who can have a conversation with, have a laugh with, it’s so important," he said.

A 2025 study of more than 10,000 older adults with cognitive impairment found that greater participation in cognitively stimulating activities was associated with a lower risk of death over time.

"We’re needing to be challenged … as an individual and as a community and as society," Hall said.

Continuing to learn, explore and seek out new experiences could play a role in healthy aging, research has found.

Hall similarly believes curiosity helps people remain engaged with the world as they get older.

"Curiosity allows us to explore and to always be aware there’s something more," he told Fox News Digital. "You’re never going to know everything. So you’re always on the quest."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Curiosity has driven much of Hall’s travel and work around the world, he said, noting that getting older shouldn't mean stopping the pursuit of new experiences.

"We were children, and we never really grew up, by the way — we just get older in our bodies."

In his book, Hall describes healthy aging as keeping the body's metaphorical "funnel" as wide as possible for as long as possible.

He sees aging as a gradual narrowing of that funnel, with increasing physiological stress as the body loses some of its ability to maintain optimal function.

Keeping the funnel wide, he said, means supporting overall health and resilience through the fundamental habits outlined in his other commandments.

Ultimately, Hall said his goal is not simply to help people accumulate more birthdays, but to make those additional years healthier and more meaningful.

"I’m selling healthspan as much as I possibly can," he said. "Your best years of your life, the best living you can possibly have, sharing with others and making society better."

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Alzheimer’s risk linked to compound found in popular joint health supplements

Many older adults turn to glucosamine to manage aging joints, but for individuals with mild cognitive impairment, the supplement could be linked to faster progression to Alzheimer’s disease.

To investigate how glucosamine affects dementia risk and mortality, University of Florida researchers analyzed medical records of patients with mild cognitive impairment, tracked laboratory mouse models and examined healthy versus Alzheimer’s-affected human brains.

The study, which was published in Nature Metabolism, focused on glycosylation, a natural process where brain cells attach small chains of sugar to proteins.

7 NEW DEMENTIA RISK FACTORS REVEALED — INCLUDING ONE MILLIONS STRUGGLE WITH

"You can think of these sugar chains as the labels and fittings on a machine part — they help a protein fold correctly, get shipped to the right place in the cell and connect with its partners," senior author Ramon Sun, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the College of Medicine at University of Florida, told Fox News Digital. "The right amount is essential."

"Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound of sugar and an amino acid group that is a fundamental structural building block in the body," Neil Levin, senior nutrition education manager of Now, a manufacturer of glucosamine supplements in Illinois, told Fox News Digital.

Glucosamine is concentrated in cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions joints, and is a component of larger molecules that help give cartilage its strength, elasticity and ability to retain water, he added.

"Support for aging joints is the primary reason people take glucosamine as a dietary supplement," Levin said.

ALZHEIMER'S BLOOD TESTS MAY PREDICT SYMPTOMS YEARS IN ADVANCE, BUT EXPERTS URGE CAUTION

The body uses an internal "checkpoint" that naturally regulates how many of these sugar chains it produces, according to Sun.

Supplemental glucosamine bypasses that "front gate" entirely — like a delivery truck pulling straight up to the loading dock, instantly boosting the supply of raw material used to make the sugar chains, the expert added.

In the study, researchers analyzed thousands of patients with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment, and then narrowed the group to those who were taking glucosamine.

For those with mild cognitive impairment, taking the supplement didn't change their risk of death, but it did make them 25% more likely to progress to dementia. However, among individuals who already had dementia, glucosamine users had a higher mortality compared to similar non-users.

POPULAR DRUGS FOR BONE HEALTH LINKED TO SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER ALZHEIMER'S RISK

The researchers also examined brain tissue to understand what might be driving the association. "We found an excess of sugar chains on proteins in the Alzheimer’s brain," Sun said.

Many of those proteins help nerve cells communicate, but the excess sugar chains may interfere with how they function, Sun said. He compared the effect to coating a key in too much wax — it is still the same key, but no longer fits the lock properly.

Glucosamine is one of the materials cells use to make these sugar chains, according to Sun.

Researchers also tracked how glucosamine was processed in mice, comparing its effects on healthy brains with those affected by Alzheimer’s-like disease.

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"In our experiments, normal mice given glucosamine showed no increase in these sugar chains and no change in a memory test," Sun said.

"But in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease, where the production line was already running too hot, glucosamine increased the sugar chains further and worsened performance on a memory test."

The researchers relied on medical records, which may not capture every supplement a patient was taking.

"Health records tell us what was documented, not everything a person took," Sun said. "Over-the-counter supplements are not always recorded, and records don't reliably capture dose, brand or how consistently someone took it."

An observational study looking at past records can find a signal, but can't prove one.

Glucosamine users may also differ in factors such as arthritis, pain, mobility, frailty and medication use, Levin noted. The records also did not establish the exact supplement, dose, duration or consistency of use.

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"The finding should therefore be treated as a safety signal that warrants controlled human research, but it did not — could not — reach a conclusion that glucosamine causes Alzheimer’s disease," Levin said.

The next step is a well-designed, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the impact of glucosamine on cognitive decline in patients with dementia.

"For now, the evidence isn't strong enough to recommend any supplement for slowing [Alzheimer’s] disease, which is why doing this research properly, including the clinical trial we've called for, matters," Sun said.

The study did not examine cognitively healthy people and does not suggest that glucosamine poses a risk to those who take it for joint health.

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"A brain affected by dementia and a healthy brain are different biological environments, and we shouldn't assume a supplement behaves the same way in both," Sun said.

He emphasized the importance of consulting with a doctor before starting or stopping a supplement.

"If you or a family member has a diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia and takes glucosamine, it's reasonable to bring it up at the next visit, as part of an ordinary conversation about what's in the medicine cabinet," the doctor advised.

Fox News Digital reached out to multiple glucosamine manufacturers requesting comment.

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