Scientists say NAD+ could slow aging and fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Why it matters: Boosting NAD⁺ could unlock new ways to delay aging and fight devastating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- NAD⁺, a vital molecule for cellular energy and DNA repair, naturally declines with age, contributing to age-related health issues and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Researchers from the University of Oslo, Akershus University Hospital, and international collaborators published an expert review in Nature Aging, synthesizing insights from over 25 scientists on NAD⁺'s potential to support healthier aging.
- Vitamin-like compounds such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are being explored to raise NAD⁺ levels, with early clinical trials showing promising improvements in memory, physical movement, and metabolic health.
- Dr. Jianying Zhang, a lead author, stresses the importance of understanding correct doses, long-term safety, and individual variability to fully unlock NAD⁺'s potential.
- The scientific community and the public show growing interest in NAD⁺ therapies, leading to ongoing clinical trials and a rapidly expanding supplement market, though larger, longer studies are needed to confirm effectiveness in humans.
A global team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, highlights NAD⁺ as a crucial molecule that could slow aging and combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by boosting cellular energy and DNA repair. While early studies on compounds like NR and NMN show promise in improving memory and physical function, experts emphasize the need for more extensive human trials to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and long-term safety.
