Nicotinamide Riboside and Caffeine Partially Increase Energy in Alzheimer’s Disease: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

As people age, levels of NAD+, a key molecule for energy production, decline, and low NAD+ is linked to energy problems in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). This study tested whether nicotinamide riboside (NR), a dietary NAD+ precursor, with or without caffeine (which boosts an NAD-producing enzyme called NMNAT2), could improve energy function in cells from LOAD patients and healthy individuals. NR and caffeine temporarily increased NAD+ levels and improved energy production in some cell types, but prolonged treatment reversed these effects. Importantly, NR and caffeine did not fix the underlying energy defects seen in LOAD cells. This suggests that while NR can boost NAD+, it may not be enough on its own to fully restore energy metabolism in Alzheimer’s, though it could help as part of broader preventive or treatment strategies.

Journal

Aging Cell