Roles of NAD+ in Health and Aging: Review

Synopsis

NAD+ supports essential processes including metabolism, energy production, DNA repair, mitophagy, inflammation control, and brain function, but its levels drop with aging, affecting all recognized “hallmarks” of aging. This article traces NAD+'s discovery, production, and consumption pathways, and explains how imbalances contribute to age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration. Preclinical work shows NAD+ precursors can promote healthy aging and improve neurological health, leading to clinical trials for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and premature aging. These studies may unlock both treatments and deeper insights into the biology of aging.

JOURNAL

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine