Anserine/Carnosine for Memory? APOE4 & Cognitive Health

observational-study PMID: 31319510

Quick Summary: A study found that a supplement containing anserine and carnosine might help slow down cognitive decline in people with mild memory problems who also carry the APOE4 gene. This gene is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Does Anserine/Carnosine Help Memory?

This research looked at whether taking anserine and carnosine could help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI means you have some memory or thinking problems, but they aren't severe enough to be considered dementia. The study found that people with MCI who also had the APOE4 gene (a gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer's) showed some improvement in their overall cognitive function when taking the supplement.

Study Details

Who was studied: 54 Japanese adults aged 60-79 with mild cognitive impairment.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants were divided into two groups. One group took a daily supplement containing 750 mg of anserine and 250 mg of carnosine. The other group took a placebo (a dummy pill).

What This Means For You

If you have the APOE4 gene and mild memory problems: This study suggests that anserine and carnosine might help slow down the decline in your thinking abilities.

Talk to your doctor: Before taking any supplements, especially if you have health concerns or take other medications, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand if this supplement is right for you.

More research is needed: This study was small, so more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects.

Study Limitations

Small Study: The study only included a small number of people, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Short Duration: The study only lasted 3 months, so we don't know if the benefits would last longer.

Specific Population: The study was done on Japanese adults, so the results might not be the same for people of other ethnicities.

Combined Ingredients: The study used a combination of anserine and carnosine, so we don't know if one is more effective than the other.

Key Findings

The study found that anserine/carnosine supplementation (ACS) improved global cognitive function in APOE4-positive individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Specifically, the active group showed a significant reduction in cognitive decline compared to placebo, as measured by the global Clinical Dementia Rating (gloCDR) scale. However, no significant differences were observed in other cognitive tests like the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-J cog). The results suggest genotype-specific benefits, with APOE4 carriers deriving greater protection against cognitive deterioration than non-carriers.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted over 12 weeks. The sample included 54 Japanese adults aged 60–79 with MCI, randomized 1:1 into active or placebo groups. Cognitive assessments were performed using standardized psychometric tests, including the gloCDR and ADAS-J cog. The study was classified as observational, though it utilized interventional trial data.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 750 mg of anserine and 250 mg of carnosine daily (total 1,000 mg) in powder form within sachets. They dissolved the powder in water and consumed it once daily. Placebo groups received identical-looking sachets without active ingredients. Compliance was monitored via returned sachets.

Results & Efficacy

Global CDR (gloCDR): Active group improved by 0.13 points vs. 0.03 points in placebo (p=0.039).
APOE4 carriers: Active group showed 0.20-point improvement in gloCDR vs. 0.05-point decline in placebo (p=0.014).
Non-APOE4 carriers: No significant differences in gloCDR between groups.
ADAS-J cog: No statistically significant changes in overall cognitive scores.
Safety: No adverse effects reported, indicating good tolerability.

Limitations

Small sample size (n=54) limits statistical power, especially for subgroup analyses (n=19 APOE4 carriers).
Short duration (12 weeks) prevents conclusions about long-term efficacy.
Post-hoc analysis: The study was not originally powered to assess APOE4 genotype-specific effects.
Combined supplement: Effects of anserine vs. carnosine individually cannot be isolated.
Population specificity: All participants were Japanese, raising questions about generalizability.

Clinical Relevance

For APOE4 carriers with MCI, this study suggests that ACS may slow cognitive decline, offering a potential preventive strategy. However, results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample and short duration. The lack of significant effects in non-APOE4 carriers highlights the importance of genetic factors in supplement response. Clinicians might consider ACS as a targeted intervention for APOE4-positive individuals while awaiting larger trials. Users should consult healthcare providers to assess suitability based on genotype and health status.

Note: This analysis reflects the study’s specific design and outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore mechanisms.

Anserine/Carnosine for Memory? APOE4 & Cognitive Health