Mouse study links NAD+ restoration to reversed Alzheimer’s signs
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center report in Cell Reports Medicine that restoring levels of the cellular energy molecule NAD+ in Alzheimer’s mouse models using an experimental drug reversed amyloid and tau buildup and fully restored cognitive function, while also normalizing a key blood biomarker (phosphorylated tau 217). The team, led by Dr. Andrew A. Pieper, also found severe NAD+ depletion in both Alzheimer’s mice and human Alzheimer’s brain tissue, suggesting that correcting NAD+ imbalance could be a potential therapeutic strategy, though the authors caution the findings are from animals and may not directly translate to humans.
📌 Key Facts
- The study found severe declines in NAD+ levels in two Alzheimer’s mouse models and in human Alzheimer’s brain tissue.
- Using the experimental compound P7C3-A20 to restore NAD+ in mice blocked onset of Alzheimer’s and, in advanced disease models, reversed amyloid and tau deposition and fully restored cognitive performance.
- Treatment also normalized blood levels of phosphorylated tau 217, a key Alzheimer’s biomarker in humans, but researchers emphasize the limitation that results are from mouse models only.
📊 Relevant Data
Black Americans are approximately twice as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Race, Ethnicity, and Alzheimer's — Alzheimer's Association
Hispanic Americans are about 1.5 times as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Race, Ethnicity, and Alzheimer's — Alzheimer's Association
The prevalence of dementia is 13.8% among older African Americans, 12.2% among Hispanics, and 10.3% among Whites.
Representation of Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias — ScienceDirect
Racial and ethnic differences in Alzheimer's disease prevalence may be influenced by socioeconomic and educational disparities, associated stressors, and higher rates of vascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes in Black and Hispanic populations.
An estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2025, projected to grow to 13.8 million by 2060, with the largest increases among racial and ethnic minority groups.
2025 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures — PubMed Central