The Effects of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) on Brain Function and Cognition

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio46 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Niagen (nicotinamide riboside, vitamin B3), on NAD levels, brain function including cognition and blood flow in people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Niagen is a patented formula which is the first and only commercially available form of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). It has been proven in basic science studies as a highly effective NAD booster, but it also works as a vitamin B3 supplement. NAD helps pass energy from glucose to other pathways in the cell. Niagen (Nicotinamide Riboside, vitamin B3) is one of the most effective NAD+ precursors to support cellular health. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Niagen (nicotinamide riboside, vitamin B3), on NAD levels, brain function including cognition and blood flow in people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment NAD

Interventions

Nicotinamide ribosideDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Oral administration of Niagen ramp up 250mg to 1g/day as tolerated

Sugar PillDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

This is a placebo compounded by ChromaDex, Inc.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Previously diagnosed with MCI based on inclusion criteria of Texas Alzheimer's Research Care and Consortium (TARCC) study (IRB: HSC20090535H). We are enrolling both genders, all races and ethnic groups. * Two week washout period for participants who were taking opioids or a dose of niacin over 200mg Exclusion Criteria: * Previously considered as healthy individuals without a MCI or Alzheimer's disease diagnosis based on exclusion criteria of the TARCC study (IRB: HSC20090535H). * Neurological, psychiatric or active systemic medical disease * Diabetes * Moderate or severe depression and/or anxiety as determined the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), respectively * Diagnosis of dementia * Hearing, vision, motor or language deficits * Alcohol or drug abuse * Implantation of metal devices * Administration of Alzheimer's drugs, anticholinergics, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, opiates, systemic steroids, and mood-stabilizers. * No opioid use while participating in study

Locations (2)

South Texas Veterans Healthcare System (STVHCS)

San Antonio, Texas, United States

University of Texas Health San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Cognitive Assessment - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - from baseline at 10 weeks

MoCA Value

Time frame: 10 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change in cerebral blood flow from baseline at 10 weeks

functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in plasma NAD from baseline at 10 weeks

Plasma NAD level

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in Physical Performance - Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) - from baseline at 10 weeks

SPPB Score

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in Physical Performance - Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) - from baseline at 10 weeks

IADL Score

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in endothelial function from baseline at 10 weeks

Arterial Pressure

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) - from baseline at 10 weeks

GDS Value (\>/= 5 is abnormal)

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) - from baseline at 10 weeks

GAS Value (Raw score 1 -30)

Time frame: 10 weeks

Change in Cognitive Assessment - Clock Drawing Task Protocol (CLOX) - from baseline at 10 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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