NAD+ for Rejuvenating the Brain
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme that has tremendous potential to increase brain health and promote anti-aging. The NAD+ version is the oxidized form. As we age, not only do brain cells break down from oxidative stress and cellular deterioration, but we run the risk of developing amyloid plaques which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques kill brain cells, affecting memory and cognitive function. Even if we don’t develop Alzheimer’s disease, the mitochondria in our brain cells slowly become compromised, meaning they are no longer the energy powerhouses they once were. Mitochondrial production of ATP in our cells diminishes, and as a result, we have less energy for our brains to function well. Cognition declines, memory declines, and reflexes decline. These are hallmarks of aging- but do they have to be?