My Alzheimer's Journey

Part 38 - NAD+ Supplements

We arrived at home last night to three hungry cats. Our shoes were clean.

I slept from about 9:30 until midnight. I woke from a horrible dream with mild chills and severe muscle pain. The electric blanket helped manage the chills, and Tylenol reduced my pain. I slept very little last night. The muscle pain continues today.

An interesting story popped up on my news feed today. I did some quick research to see if there is any truth to the claims people are making about NAD+.

NAD+ is a supplement that many high profile people, like Jennifer Aniston, Kendall Jenner, and Joe Rogan have endorsed the supplement. They claim NAD+ has anti-aging and energy-boosting benefits. Now, there is research underway to determine if NAD+ supplements can slow down the progression of dementia - especially, Alzheimer’s disease.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It acts as a carrier molecule, transferring electrons and hydrogen ions during cellular respiration. This process generates energy. NAD+ is also involved in the repair of DNA damage. This coenzyme has many other important functions in our body.

As we age, NAD+ levels decline. This depletion has been linked to several age related diseases, such as dementia and cancer.

It makes sense that a NAD+ supplement would aid in reversing the natural loss of NAD+ as we age. Does it really work? Is it safe? One thing for certain is that NAD+ supplements are very expensive.

Over the next few days, I will take a deep dive into the science behind NAD+ supplements. I know there are a few clinical trials underway and China has a major research project studying NAD+. I will look beyond the celebrity hype and learn the facts.