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Introduction: cognitive decline in older adults constitutes a growing problem for public health. Evidence suggests that nutritional interventions, such as the use of omega-3 fatty acids and creatine monohydrate supplementation could produce beneficial effects in cognitive health, as well as physical and functional outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of omega-3 and creatine monohydrate supplementation on cognitive function in older adults.
Materials and Methods: Quasi-experimental study with convenience sampling among 28 older adults attending a care center in Lima, Peru. Participants were allocated into two groups: omega-3 (n = 14) and creatine (n = 14), for 12 weeks. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Adenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS). Anthropometric measures and functional performance were also evaluated. Within-group analyses and between-group comparisons were performed, including effect size (Cohen’s d).
Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in global cognitive scores on the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) (Δ ≈ +4.2 points) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) (Δ ≈ +2.0 to +2.6 points). Effect sizes were moderate in the omega-3 group and large in the creatine group, but these estimates should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size and the absence of a placebo control group. In addition, creatine supplementation was associated with a modest improvement in Timed Up and Go performance, whereas omega-3 supplementation produced a small reduction in body fat percentage and a trend toward decreased abdominal circumference. No statistically significant between group differences were observed in any cognitive domain, and all findings should be interpreted as preliminary due to the small sample size and quasi-experimental design.
Conclusions: Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and creatine monohydrate was associated with within-group improvements in cognitive function in this exploratory sample of older adults. Both interventions represent promising strategies for the promotion of brain health, although further studies would be needed to confirm these findings.
