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Q. What can you tell me about the connection between glucosamine and dementia? I have taken glucosamine for a few years and just ran across one of these studies.
I am in relatively good health with rheumatoid arthritis well-controlled with Cimzia. I also have osteoarthritis.
While I don't have cognitive deficits now, my mother had vascular dementia probably due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. A few years ago, I started lisinopril to keep my own blood pressure well-controlled and normal.
When I heard this news several weeks ago, I stopped taking glucosamine. What is your perspective on this research? Are there alternative supplements for joint pain relief?
A. The news stories you saw were based on a fascinating report published in the journal Nature Metabolism (June 2026). The researchers studied mice engineered to develop an Alzheimer's-like condition. They also examined the brains of people who had died of Alzheimer's disease.
In both cases, they found evidence of excessive sugar metabolism in the brains. This is not the ordinary sugar that you put in your coffee, but compounds known as glycans that contain multiple sugars. While these are essential for proper cellular functioning, if they build up, they can cause damage. The mice that were studied developed cognitive deficits earlier if they were given glucosamine, which can serve as a glycan building block.
The investigators also analyzed electronic health records of humans with Alzheimer's disease. Those taking glucosamine declined more rapidly and were less likely to survive beyond the study. That provoked headlines about glucosamine and Alzheimer's disease. But while the scientists found that glucosamine supplements can accelerate Alzheimer's disease, they did not determine if it can cause dementia.
There are many other supplements that might offer relief of joint pain. Home remedies such as gin-soaked golden raisins or a glass of tart cherry juice help some people. Others prefer herbal supplements such as Ashwagandha, Boswellia, bromelain, ginger or turmeric.
You can learn more about all of these approaches in our "eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis." This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. I read your article about ear pain on airplanes. Nowhere did I see the simplest cost-free solution of all: Tell the flight attendant you experience ear pain. They will bring you two cups with damp, warm paper towels inside. Place these over your ears when feeling discomfort.
I was in agony once on a transatlantic flight when a kindly stewardess solved my problem. It was unforgettable how effective this simple tactic can be.
A. Decades ago, we heard from a flight attendant that the "hot cup" trick could alleviate ear pain on descent. They would provide two Styrofoam cups with hot damp paper towels in the bottom. Placing the cups over the ears seemingly helped get blocked eustachian tubes open to ease the pain.
We don't know if airlines still permit this practice. If a flight attendant is willing to help, make sure that there is no liquid left to cause a burn. When the paper towel is pressed firmly into the bottom of the cup, it should not pose a burn hazard.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.