MUSCLE-BRAIN AXIS: EFFICACY OF CREATINE AND HMB SUPPLEMENTATION IN SARCOPENIA AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN THE ELDERLY
Abstract
Population aging imposes complex challenges, most notably sarcopenia and cognitive decline. The bidirectional relationship between the muscular and neural systems—known as the muscle-brain axis—suggests that targeted nutritional interventions can exert systemic benefits. Objective: This study analyzes recent scientific evidence (2021–2025) regarding the efficacy of Creatine and HMB supplementation on the physical and mental health of older adults. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted across the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS/BVS and Scielo. Eight pivotal studies were selected, including recent randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses. Results: Creatine demonstrated a significant capacity to improve memory and cognitive processing speed by optimizing cerebral bioenergetics under metabolic stress. Meanwhile, HMB was effective in preserving handgrip strength and overall functionality, effectively counteracting age-related anabolic resistance. Furthermore, combined supplementation creatine and HMB led to improvements in functional strength through enhanced neuromuscular efficiency, independent of muscle hypertrophy. Conclusion: The synergy between these compounds offers a good therapeutic strategy to mitigate both physical and cognitive frailty, ultimately promoting greater autonomy during the aging process.
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