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⁺ is identified as a crucial molecule for cellular energy, DNA repair, and overall health, with declining levels linked to age-related diseases.
- 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 role in healthier aging.
- Compounds like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are being explored to boost NAD⁺ levels, with early clinical trials showing promising improvements in memory, physical movement, and metabolic health.
- Dr. Jianying Zhang stresses the importance of understanding optimal doses, long-term safety, and individual variability for NAD⁺ augmentation strategies.
- The scientific community and public show growing interest, with ongoing clinical trials worldwide and a rapidly expanding supplement market, sparking debate over effectiveness and human translation of animal study results.
A global team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, highlights NAD⁺ as a powerful molecule with the potential to 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 and long-term safety.
