Numerous scientific studies have explored the benefits of natural medicines over recent decades. Studies from the 1990s through to today show that creatine monohydrate is a well-researched supplement for boosting muscle strength. It has been a staple in gyms throughout Australia for many years and is known for improving muscle strength and ultimately muscle gains. The thing with creatine is that it has side effects, and today we are talking about one of those side effects.
When Side Effects Are a Good Thing
Often in natural medicine when we talk about side effects, we mention the positive side effects of natural medicines. Creatine does have a very positive side effect because not only does it fuel your muscles, but the latest evidence from February 2026 shows that creatine can boost cognition in older people. With the devastation of older aged individuals suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, this is very welcome news to anyone who wants to preserve their cognition as they get older.
The Gold Standard of Scientific Evidence
This latest piece of evidence is a summary of numerous medical studies on the treatment of cognition in older individuals. The scientific term for a group of studies of this kind is called a systematic review, and it is the most powerful piece of evidence — sitting at the top of the evidence pyramid — in our arsenal when it comes to levels of evidence.
Figure 1: The pyramid of evidence. The higher up the pyramid, the stronger the evidence is considered to be. At the top sits the systematic review.
What the Research Found
In this latest study, researchers compared individuals aged 55 years and older, and most of these individuals were women — relevant because women naturally produce less creatine in their bodies than men. They compared six different studies and found that five of the six demonstrated benefits in cognition in this age group. The six studies included over 1,500 participants and, while most showed a benefit for cognition, they also found a benefit for the muscle mass of the individuals.
The Take-Home Message
The key takeaway here is that creatine can benefit individuals who go to the gym not simply because of improving muscle mass, but also by improving brain cognition — especially in older individuals.
About the Author, Stephen Eddey
Stephen Eddey is a qualified health practitioner, educator, and consultant with extensive training in chemistry, naturopathy, and health science. He holds an Associate Diploma in Chemistry, a Diploma of Applied Science (Naturopathy), a Bachelor of Complementary Medicine, and a Master of Health Science, with postgraduate research focused on the treatment of obesity using low-carbohydrate diets. Stephen has held senior technical roles within the natural health industry, including Technical Consultant at Metagenics, and has over 10 years’ experience teaching Naturopathy. He currently works as a Consultant with ATP Science in Brisbane and is an accredited member of the CMA, applying an evidence-based, preventative approach to health and education.
The 2026 systematic review referenced in this article suggests promising cognitive benefits of creatine in older adults; however, this area of research is still evolving and findings should not be considered conclusive. While a systematic review represents the highest level of scientific evidence, outcomes are dependent on the quality and consistency of the studies included within the review.
References to “side effects” throughout this article encompass both traditional adverse effects and potential additional benefits observed in research. These effects may not apply to all individuals. Creatine supplementation may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, kidney concerns, or those taking other medications.
Before beginning any new supplement regimen, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether creatine is suitable for your individual needs and circumstances.