Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Memory and Brain Health in Alzheimer's Disease and Aging: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Increasing NAD+ levels to repair damaged mitochondria is a promising strategy for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a safe NAD+ precursor that can be taken orally and has benefits for aging. In this study, AD model mice (APP/PS1) and aged mice were fed NR for 3 months. Researchers tested memory, movement, and anxiety, and looked at brain changes including Aβ accumulation, activation of astrocytes and microglia, and levels of NAMPT in the blood. They found that NR improved memory in both aged and AD mice, reduced Aβ buildup and astrocyte migration in AD mice, decreased activation of astrocytes in aged mice, and prevented weight gain in both groups. These results suggest that oral NR supplementation can help protect the brain and may slow the progression of dementia.

Journal

Metabolic Brain Disease