A supplement that has gained popularity among celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kendall Jenner may hold promise for reversing some effects of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. The molecule, known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, plays a crucial role in energy production and cellular repair in the body. Research conducted by scientists at the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Ohio indicates that boosting NAD+ levels could potentially protect against neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s.
NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule that begins to decline in the human body after the age of 35. This reduction has led to interest in NAD+ supplements, which are available in various forms, including oral tablets and intravenous (IV) drips. Wellness clinics offer these treatments, often at significant costs, with some celebrities endorsing their benefits. On an episode of *The Kardashians* in 2022, Kendall Jenner was seen receiving an NAD+ IV drip, with her friend Hailey Bieber expressing her commitment to lifelong use of the supplement.
The recent study, published in *Cell Press Medicine*, investigated NAD+ levels in genetically modified mice designed to simulate Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers discovered that the inability of the brain to maintain healthy NAD+ levels significantly contributed to the progression of the disease. Mice treated with NAD+ before displaying memory issues did not develop cognitive deficits, while those already exhibiting symptoms showed marked improvement after NAD+ levels were restored.
Dr. Andrew A. Pieper, the study’s senior author and Director of the Brain Health Medicines Center at the Harrington Discovery Institute, expressed enthusiasm about the findings. “Restoring the brain’s energy balance achieved pathological and functional recovery in both lines of mice with advanced Alzheimer’s,” he stated. This research suggests that enhancing NAD+ levels could be a viable approach for mitigating the effects of Alzheimer’s.
Despite the promising results, researchers caution against self-prescribing NAD+ supplements. Previous studies have indicated that excessive NAD+ supplementation may lead to elevated levels that could potentially increase cancer risk. The mice in the study were closely monitored to ensure that NAD+ levels remained within a healthy range, a measure that may not be achievable in a non-clinical setting.
The prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, is rising globally. In the UK alone, approximately 982,000 people are living with dementia, with projections indicating that this number could reach 1.4 million by 2040, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. The current findings offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease may not be permanent.
Dr. Pieper emphasized the need for further research to explore the applicability of these findings to humans. “This new therapeutic approach to recovery needs to be moved into carefully designed human clinical trials to determine whether the efficacy seen in animal models translates to human patients,” he explained.
As researchers continue to investigate the potential of NAD+ in treating Alzheimer’s, they aim to identify which aspects of brain energy balance are most critical for recovery. There is also interest in exploring whether this approach could be effective for other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
For those interested in trying NAD+ supplements, products are available online, with prices starting at approximately £24.95 (around 42p per pill) from retailers such as N2 Natural Nutrition and on platforms like Amazon. However, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals before beginning any new supplement regimen.
The implications of this research highlight an evolving understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and the potential for innovative treatments that could change the landscape of how we approach neurodegenerative conditions.
