Key Points
- Blood vessel function improved after 4 weeks of NR supplementation
- Brain blood flow increased in areas linked to memory and decision-making
- Participants showed modest gains in cognitive tests, especially in attention and processing speed
Study Overview
Eight older adults (average age ~66) with PAD took 1,000 mg of NR daily for four weeks.
Researchers measured:
- Blood vessel function in the arm (a marker of cardiovascular health)
- Brain blood flow during mental tasks
- Cognitive performance using NIH Toolbox assessments
- Lab-based markers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in blood vessel cells
Improved Blood Vessel Function
NR supplementation led to a significant improvement in the function of large blood vessels, measured by flow-mediated dilation in the arm.
There were also promising trends toward better function in smaller blood vessels in the skin, suggesting benefits across the vascular system.
“These data indicate a potential of NAD+ supplementation with NR to improve peripheral macro- and microvascular endothelial function in patients with PAD.”
Enhanced Brain Blood Flow During Cognitive Tasks
Researchers found that NR improved blood flow in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in working memory and executive function, during a mental challenge.
“NAD+ supplementation with its precursor NR demonstrated a positive effect on cognitive performance during a working memory task in older adults with PAD.”
Modest Gains in Cognitive Function
Cognitive test scores showed small improvements in attention, processing speed, and working memory after NR supplementation.
However, participants still scored below national averages, suggesting the cognitive effects were present but limited.
“Although NAD+ supplementation may have a beneficial impact on cognitive function in this population, the effect was relatively modest.”
Conclusion
This early-stage study suggests that NR supplementation may help support vascular and brain health in older adults with PAD.
“NAD+ supplementation with NR in older adults with PAD may lead to notable improvements in both macrovascular and microvascular endothelial function, as well as enhanced cerebrovascular hemodynamics during cognitive tasks and modest improvements in cognitive performance.”
By improving blood vessel function and increasing brain blood flow, NR shows promise for supporting cardiovascular and cognitive health in aging.
“Overall, our findings indicate that NAD+ supplementation with NR holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing endothelial function in older adults with PAD.”
Still, these are preliminary results. Larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects and explore the long-term benefits of NR in this population.
