Massey University is at the forefront of innovative research addressing one of New Zealand's most pressing health challenges: cognitive decline in an ageing population. The CRECOG Trial, New Zealand's first study exploring creatine supplementation for cognitive function in older adults, promises to shed new light on nutritional strategies for maintaining brain health. As Kiwis live longer, understanding how simple interventions like creatine can support memory and thinking skills is more crucial than ever.

The Growing Challenge of Cognitive Health in Aotearoa

New Zealand's population is ageing rapidly. By 2026, over 900,000 Kiwis are aged 65 or older, representing nearly 17 percent of the total population. This demographic shift brings heightened risks of cognitive impairment, with dementia affecting around 83,000 people in 2025—a number projected to nearly double to 170,000 by 2050. Recent studies reveal that approximately 500 New Zealanders develop dementia each week, underscoring the urgency for preventive measures.

Cognitive decline, often an early harbinger of conditions like Alzheimer's disease, manifests as memory lapses, slower processing speeds, and reduced executive function. In New Zealand, factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, and lifestyle contribute to varying risks. For instance, higher deprivation areas see elevated rates of mild cognitive impairment. Massey University's College of Health is tackling this head-on through targeted research, positioning the institution as a leader in nutritional neuroscience.

Creatine: A Natural Compound with Brain-Boosting Potential

Creatine monohydrate (CrM), a compound naturally found in meat and fish, plays a vital role in energy production. In the body, it helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's energy currency, particularly during high-demand activities. While widely known for enhancing muscle performance in athletes, emerging science highlights its benefits for brain health.

The brain consumes about 20 percent of the body's energy despite comprising only two percent of body weight. During ageing, brain creatine levels decline, correlating with reduced cognitive reserve. Supplementation can increase brain phosphocreatine stores by up to 11 percent, supporting neuronal energy metabolism and potentially mitigating fatigue, stress-induced impairments, and age-related decline.

Global meta-analyses from 2024 and 2025 confirm moderate improvements in memory, processing speed, and executive function among older adults, especially those with low baseline creatine or under stress like sleep deprivation. These findings provide a strong rationale for trials like CRECOG.

Unpacking the CRECOG Trial: Design and Objectives

The CRECOG (Creatine Cognitive) Trial, hosted at Massey University's Auckland campus, investigates whether daily CrM supplementation enhances cognitive performance in adults aged 60 and over. Participants, who may have mild memory concerns but no diagnosed dementia, undergo five visits to the Nutrition Lab in the IC Building for assessments.

The study employs standardized cognitive tests measuring memory, attention, and executive function, alongside biomarkers to track creatine uptake. By focusing on early-stage ageing, researchers aim to identify interventions that preserve brain function before irreversible damage occurs. This randomized, controlled design ensures robust evidence, addressing gaps in prior short-term studies.

As New Zealand's pioneering effort in this area, CRECOG could inform national guidelines on nutritional support for healthy ageing, potentially reducing dementia's $10 billion annual burden by 2050.

Eligibility, Participation, and Incentives

To join, individuals must be 60+, English-fluent, Auckland residents, free from dementia, Parkinson's, current CrM use, or severe sensory impairments. Exclusion of recent clinical trial participants minimizes confounders.

• Visit 1: Baseline cognitive testing and health screening.
• Visits 2-4: Supplementation phase with interim assessments.
• Visit 5: Final evaluation and debrief.

Participants receive a $40 koha per visit, totaling $200, recognizing their contribution to science. This community-engaged approach aligns with Massey's commitment to accessible research.

The Research Team Driving Innovation at Massey

PhD scholar Pratibha Sharma leads CRECOG, bringing expertise in clinical nutrition, sports dietetics, and burns research. Her thesis explores liposomal creatine's pharmacokinetics, muscle, cognitive, and performance effects, supervised by Professor David S. Rowlands.

Prof. Rowlands, Director of the Exercise Physiology and Metabolism Lab, is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine with over 5,500 citations. His work spans functional foods, sport nutrition, and metabolic responses, including high-protein recovery and oxidative stress in endurance. Their collaboration exemplifies Massey's interdisciplinary strength.

Massey's Broader Contributions to Ageing and Nutrition Research

The College of Health's School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition investigates lifespan health, from high-performance sport to chronic disease prevention. Complementary projects include dietary patterns' links to cognition, protein quality for lean mass in elders, and beetroot juice's mood benefits.

The Health and Ageing Research Team (HART) profiles cognitive-physical frailty, while the Research Centre for Hauora and Health addresses Māori/Pacific inequities. These efforts position Massey as NZ's hub for nutritional neuroscience.

Global Evidence Bolstering Creatine's Cognitive Promise

Recent systematic reviews affirm CrM's efficacy. A 2024 Frontiers meta-analysis of 24 studies showed significant memory gains, while 2025 Nutrition Reviews noted benefits in healthy seniors. Effects are pronounced in vegetarians (low baseline creatine) and stressed states, suggesting broad applicability.Frontiers in Nutrition review

In Alzheimer's pilots, high-dose CrM boosted brain energy and memory, hinting at therapeutic potential. Though NZ-specific data is scarce, CRECOG fills this void.

Implications for Dementia Prevention and Public Health

With one in four Kiwis likely dying with dementia, preventive nutrition could transform outcomes. CRECOG's findings may advocate CrM in guidelines, alongside exercise and Mediterranean diets. Economic savings could reach billions, easing healthcare strain.

Stakeholder views: Alzheimer's NZ urges action; experts like Rowlands emphasize early intervention. Challenges include adherence and individual variability, but Massey's rigorous approach promises actionable insights.Alzheimer's NZ facts

Future Outlook: Scaling Nutritional Interventions in NZ

CRECOG paves the way for larger trials, perhaps combining CrM with exercise. Massey's labs enable translation to policy, partnering with Health NZ. Long-term, personalized nutrition via genetics could optimize brain health.

For higher ed, it highlights Massey's role in impactful research, attracting talent and funding.

Get Involved: Support CRECOG and NZ Brain Health Research

Aucklanders 60+ interested? Contact Pratibha Sharma at p.sharma3@massey.ac.nz. Academics, explore collaborations via Prof. Rowlands. Follow Massey's health research for updates.

This trial exemplifies how university-led innovation addresses societal needs, fostering a healthier Aotearoa.

Photo by Lusia Komala Widiastuti on Unsplash