The Impacts of α-GPC and Creatine Supplements on Memory and Cognition in Mice
Faculty Mentor
Karin Melkonian
Area of Research
Biology
Major
Biology
Description
Alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine (α-GPC) is a supplement shown to increase strength, mental cognition, anxiety, and other bodily functions. Taking α-GPC increases acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter which promotes brain function (Noble et al., 2015). Creatine is another supplement used to increase strength and muscle function, but has also been proven to increase cognitive function. Creatine, in its many forms, can improve spatial awareness and long-term memory (Zhang et al., 2018). Mice are commonly used model organisms due to their similarities to humans genotypically, allowing this study to produce similar results to those displayed by humans. In this experiment, there were 3 supplements: α-GPC, creatine monohydrate, and creatine hydrochloride. The α-GPC mice were given 3 doses: a normal-dose, a high-dose, and no-dose (control). The creatine mice (of both types) were given the same dosage amount, and each had their own control group. The mice were both male and female. To test the supplement’s effects, the mice were evaluated using methods such as the Novel Object Test and the Morris Water Maze to examine their cognitive and recall abilities. This study was intended to determine if α-GPC and both Creatine Monohydrate and Hydrochloride improves memory and cognition. This study also seeks to determine which supplement, if any, has a greater effect.
The Impacts of α-GPC and Creatine Supplements on Memory and Cognition in Mice
Alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine (α-GPC) is a supplement shown to increase strength, mental cognition, anxiety, and other bodily functions. Taking α-GPC increases acetylcholine levels, a neurotransmitter which promotes brain function (Noble et al., 2015). Creatine is another supplement used to increase strength and muscle function, but has also been proven to increase cognitive function. Creatine, in its many forms, can improve spatial awareness and long-term memory (Zhang et al., 2018). Mice are commonly used model organisms due to their similarities to humans genotypically, allowing this study to produce similar results to those displayed by humans. In this experiment, there were 3 supplements: α-GPC, creatine monohydrate, and creatine hydrochloride. The α-GPC mice were given 3 doses: a normal-dose, a high-dose, and no-dose (control). The creatine mice (of both types) were given the same dosage amount, and each had their own control group. The mice were both male and female. To test the supplement’s effects, the mice were evaluated using methods such as the Novel Object Test and the Morris Water Maze to examine their cognitive and recall abilities. This study was intended to determine if α-GPC and both Creatine Monohydrate and Hydrochloride improves memory and cognition. This study also seeks to determine which supplement, if any, has a greater effect.