Does Nicotinamide Cognitive Performance Randomized Trial work?

Updated July 2026

Quick Answer

Nicotinamide Cognitive Performance Randomized Trial has evidence relevant to strength of evidence and what the studies can or cannot prove, but conclusions should stay close to the cited sources. One representative finding is: The decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) with aging may elevate risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurocognitive disorders (ADRD) by impairing cellular energy metabolism and reducing cerebral blood flow.

Key Takeaways

  • 01The decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) with aging may elevate risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurocognitive disorders (ADRD) by impairing cellular energy metabolism and reducing cerebral blood flow. [Martens Christopher R (2025)]
  • 02Perfusion of the left hippocampus increased with NR (pre: 51.7 ± 3.3; post: 58.0 ± 3.8 ml/min/100g) compared with placebo (pre: 55.6 ± 2.8; post: 51.7 ± 2.3 ml/min/100g; interaction= 0.033); however, this was not associated with the change in memory performance. [Martens Christopher R (2025)]
  • 03We conducted a 12‐week double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the NADprecursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR; 500 mg b.i.d.), for enhancing cognitive function and cerebral perfusion in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). [Martens Christopher R (2025)]
  • 04This review summarizes current evidence on nutritional compounds that target aging-related pathways, focusing on interventions that influence mitochondrial health, cognitive performance, immune function, metabolic regulation, and maintenance of muscle mass in older adults. [Kurtz JA (2026)]
The current Migaku evidence database contains 2 reusable source documents for Nicotinamide Cognitive Performance Randomized Trial. This answer focuses on strength of evidence and what the studies can or cannot prove. - The decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) with aging may elevate risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurocognitive disorders (ADRD) by impairing cellular energy metabolism and reducing cerebral blood flow. [Martens Christopher R (2025); evidence level 2] - Perfusion of the left hippocampus increased with NR (pre: 51.7 ± 3.3; post: 58.0 ± 3.8 ml/min/100g) compared with placebo (pre: 55.6 ± 2.8; post: 51.7 ± 2.3 ml/min/100g; interaction= 0.033); however, this was not associated with the change in memory performance. [Martens Christopher R (2025); evidence level 2] - We conducted a 12‐week double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of the NADprecursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR; 500 mg b.i.d.), for enhancing cognitive function and cerebral perfusion in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). [Martens Christopher R (2025); evidence level 2] - This review summarizes current evidence on nutritional compounds that target aging-related pathways, focusing on interventions that influence mitochondrial health, cognitive performance, immune function, metabolic regulation, and maintenance of muscle mass in older adults. [Kurtz JA (2026); evidence level 4] - Recent findings Evidence indicates that several targeted nutrients, including protein, probiotics, antioxidants, and emerging mitochondrial-support compounds, may contribute to healthy aging. [Kurtz JA (2026); evidence level 4] Evidence levels are sorting aids, not final clinical grades. Level 1 usually indicates systematic-review style evidence, level 2 indicates randomized trials or public-health guidance, and lower levels need more cautious wording. This page is educational. People with medical conditions, pregnancy, medication use, or unusual symptoms should ask a qualified clinician before changing supplements, medication, or treatment routines.

Sources

  1. A phase‐II randomized controlled pilot and feasibility study of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
  2. Targeted Supplementation and Nutritional Strategies for Healthy Aging: A Review of Physiological and Molecular Benefits.