MENOCOG Study: Creatine Supplementation for Cognitive Health in Postmenopausal Women
Researchers at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University are currently recruiting participants for the MENOCOG Study.
The MENOCOG Study is a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility trial investigating creatine supplementation in postmenopausal women experiencing changes in memory and thinking.
Many women report changes in memory, thinking, concentration and mental clarity during and after the menopausal transition. While these experiences are commonly reported, women's brain health remains a relatively under-researched area, and there is a need for further research exploring potential strategies to support cognitive health after menopause.
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound best known for its role in muscle energy metabolism and physical performance. However, emerging research suggests creatine may also play an important role in brain energy metabolism and cognitive function. The MENOCOG Study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and safety of creatine supplementation in postmenopausal women and generate preliminary data to inform future clinical trials in this area.
Does this sound familiar?
- Brain fog
- Forgetting words or names
- Losing your train of thought
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling less confident in your memory and thinking
Who can participate?
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are a woman aged 45–65 years
- Live in Australia
- Are postmenopausal (have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months)
- Are feeling like your memory and thinking has been getting worse for at least 6 months or more.
- Are not currently using Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Have a family history of dementia (1st degree relative).
- Ability to read, write, and communicate proficiently in English.
- Must have internet access, computer and/or tablet and/or smart phone at home, and mobile phone access (for SMS and calls).
- Willing to complete all study-related activities for the complete trial including pathology tests, assessments and follow-ups.
*Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria apply.
What does participation involve?
Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either creatine supplementation or placebo for 12 weeks.
The study includes:
- Monthly online questionnaires
- 2 x cognitive assessments (before and after the trial)
- 2 x screening and study-related blood tests (at your local collection centre)
- Daily supplementation over the 12-week study period
The MENOCOG Study has been designed as a decentralised clinical trial, allowing women from all across Australia to participate. Most study assessments are completed online and at a time that is convenient for participants, with no visits to Western Sydney University required.
Participant information sheet
Find out more about the study and participation requirements here.
Check your eligibility
If you are interested in participating, please complete the online screening questionnaire:
Check your eligibility in less than 2 minutes here.
Ethics approval
This study has been approved by the Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval No. #H16573).
Looking for more information?
If you have further questions, please contact the research team at menocog@westernsydney.edu.au or on 0422 774 769.