---
title: Recent Review Investigates Potential Link Between Cognitive Health and NAD+ Precursor Supplementation
description: Nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, NAD+ precursors, improved memory and learning in animal models of aging and Alzheimer's disease.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/friblog_6.jpg
---

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Science Update

# Recent Review Investigates Potential Link Between Cognitive Health and NAD+ Precursor Supplementation

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Sep 09, 2022

![Recent Review Investigates Potential Link Between Cognitive Health and NAD+ Precursor Supplementation](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/friblog_6.jpg?width=960)

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential molecule to [cellular functioning](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) and human health. It is critical for cellular energy production and metabolism, and it is involved in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. NAD+ is believed to have a particularly supportive role in cognition, [neurological health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/), and healthy aging. 

Research suggests that NAD+ may play a neurosupportive role through several biochemical pathways. NAD+ supports a healthy response to [inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/), antioxidative status, mitochondrial repair and maintenance, attenuation of protein aggregation, and the stimulation of HCA2 macrophages that play a role in supporting neuronal health. 

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a variation of vitamin B3 (niacin) and an [NAD+ precursor](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29211728/). Supplementation with NR has been shown to support healthy [NAD+ status](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29211728/), mitochondrial function, and cellular health. 

A recently published [review article](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) by Jared M. Campbell, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, explored the potential link between supplementation with NAD+ precursors and prevention of certain age-related cognitive changes. One [animal study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) involved mouse models related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is a neurodegenerative condition associated with aging. NR was administered to the mice for 5 months. At the study conclusion, improvements in learning and memory were observed.  

Another [animal study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) assessed the role of NR administration in mouse models related to cerebral small vessel disease and hypertension. NR was reported to help attenuate decreases in short-term memory after 28 days. A [similar study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) in aged mice observed improvements in short-term spatial memory in the presence of NR supplementation for 3 months. A 6-week murine study involving diabetes-induced mice showed that NR helped improve locomotor activity and [spatial recognition memory](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/). 

A [clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) involved brain imaging and measurement of other biomarkers related to brain function and cognition in the presence of NAD+ precursors, including NR. Supplementation with NR was reported to be well-tolerated and improvements in physical function and blood flow were observed.  

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is another NAD+ precursor that may support certain aspects of cognitive function. NMN has been shown in animal studies to help support improvements in [cognitive impairment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) in mouse models related to AD. The administration of NMN was shown to help improve [higher brain function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/) in older mouse models. [Cognitive flexibility](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/), recognition, working and reference memories were all shown to improve murine populations in the presence of NMN for 28 days.  

The author describes gaps of knowledge in current research including efficacy-related [comparisons among NAD+ precursors](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35956406/). Also, more studies are needed to investigate the preventive role of these molecules in healthy populations. In general, more clinical research is needed before conclusions can be made.  

NAD+ is an essential molecule for many aspects of human health. Supplementation with its precursors such as NR may support cellular energy, cognitive function, and neurological health.  

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

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