NR and Ketone Salts Help Preserve Brain Myelin in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Clinical Findings
Objectives
To determine whether combining ketone salts with NR could improve brain ketone and glucose metabolism in adults with MCI, and assess effects on white-matter structure, cognitive performance, and tolerability.
Journal
Alzheimer's Association
Key Outcomes
- NR + βHB increased brain ketone uptake.
- MRI findings suggested preservation of myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers, with results varying by brain region.
- Compared to placebo, NR + βHB preserved performance on one measure of memory recall and reduced self-reported cognitive complaints.
- Greater ketone uptake and favorable changes in MRI markers of myelin were associated with faster processing speed.
- Overall, the findings were promising, but gastrointestinal symptoms limited tolerability. In the active group, 49% reported diarrhea and 51% discontinued the study.
Duration
6 months
Dose
1,100 mg*
*Each sachet was composed of a powdered mixture of sodium, calcium, and magnesium salts of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), providing a total of 12 g, along with 550 mg NR, dissolved in 150 mL of water. Two oral sachets were taken daily. During the first week, participants took one sachet daily to help gastrointestinal adaptation.
Study Design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel pilot study in 30 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).