Compound Prevents Neurological Damage, Shows Cognitive Benefits in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

A National Institute on Aging study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found nicotinamide riboside (NR) prevented neurological damage and improved cognitive and physical function in a new mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, reports the National Institutes of Health . The researchers developed a strain of mice mimicking major features of human Alzheimer's including tau pathology, failing synapses, neuronal death, and cognitive impairment. They then tested the impact of an NR supplement by adding it to the drinking water of the mice. Over three months, the team determined mice who received NR exhibited reduced tau in their brains, while amyloid-beta was unchanged. The NR-treated animals also had less DNA damage, higher neuroplasticity, more production of new neurons from neuronal stem cells, and reduced levels of neuronal damage and death. In the hippocampus, NR appeared to either clear existing DNA damage or prevent its further spread. In addition, the NR-treated mice performed better than controls on multiple behavioral and memory tests, such as water mazes and object recognition. They also had better muscular and grip strength, higher endurance, and improved gait versus the controls. The researchers think these improvements were caused by a rejuvenating effect NR had on stem cells in both muscle and brain tissue.