Scientists may have identified a way to reverse alzheimer’s disease In animal experiments.
The study, led by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, found that restoring the central energy molecules of cells in the brains of mice reversed brain changes and markers of disease, such as cognitive decline.
Researchers analyzed two Alzheimer’s disease mouse models and human Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue and found severely reduced levels of NAD+.
New vitamin compound holds promise for reversing brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease
NAD+, an enzyme essential for energy production, cell maintenance, and long-term cell healthIt naturally declines with age, says lead study author Andrew A. Pieper, M.D., director of the Harrington Discovery Institute Center for Brain Health Medicine at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.
“When NAD+ falls below required levels, cells are unable to perform important maintenance and survival functions effectively,” he told FOX News Digital.
Dr. Charles Brenner, chief scientific advisor at Niagen, which specializes in products that boost NAD+ levels, said NAD+ plays a critical role in powering organs with high energy needs, including the brain.
“The brain consumes approximately 20% of the body’s energy, and is responsible for cellular energy production and dna repairBrenner, who was not involved in the study, told FOX News Digital. “This is because NAD+ plays an important role in how neurons adapt to various physiological stressors and support processes related to brain health.”
It added that research has demonstrated the potential benefits of NAD+ supplements in brain health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ataxia telangiectasia.
In the University of Cleveland study, researchers used drugs Called P7C3-A20 to restore normal levels of NAD+ in mouse models, this was found to block the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say the study reversed the accumulation of amyloid and tau in brains with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, completely restoring cognitive function.
Treated mice also showed normalized blood levels of phosphorylated tau-217, an important clinical biomarker used in human Alzheimer’s disease research.
“For more than a century, Alzheimer’s disease was thought to be irreversible,” Pieper said. “Our experiment provides proof of principle that some types of dementia are not necessarily permanent.”
The researchers were “shocked” by how strongly restoring NAD+ homeostasis, even without directly targeting it, reversed advanced Alzheimer’s disease in mouse brains. amyloid plaques.
“This gives us reason to be cautiously optimistic that similar strategies may one day benefit people,” Pieper added.
For more health stories, click here
This study builds on previous work in our laboratory demonstrating that: Restoration of NAD+ balance Helped speed recovery after severe traumatic brain injury.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, was published last week in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
The main limitation of this study is that it was conducted only in the following regions: mouse model Researchers say it does not directly lead to disease in humans.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a complex, multifactorial, uniquely human disease,” Pieper told FOX News Digital. “Efficacy in animal models does not guarantee the same results in human patients.”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
While drugs exist, Tested in clinical trials It is intended to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but has not been tested for reversal in humans.
The authors also warned against over-the-counter sales. Supplements that increase NAD+ It can raise cellular NAD+ to excessively high levels and has been shown to promote cancer in some animal models.
“In contrast, P7C3-A20 allows cells to restore and maintain proper NAD+ balance even under stress without elevating NAD+ to excessively high levels,” Pieper noted.
He recommended that anyone considering NAD+ regulating supplements should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.
Some things have been proven Lifestyle measures Researchers say it promotes brain resilience.
“These include prioritizing enough sleep, following a MIND or Mediterranean diet, staying cognitively and physically active, maintaining social connections, and dealing with problems. hearing lossprotect your head from physical injury, limit alcohol, and manage your blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors (such as avoiding smoking),” Pieper advised.
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
The researchers plan to conduct further research into the impact of brain energy balance on cognitive health and test whether this strategy also works for other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
