Preserving brain energy levels to combat Alzheimer's disease

Preservation of brain NAD+ as a novel non-amyloid based therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease

NIH-funded research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-10863819

This study is exploring a new way to help people with Alzheimer's by testing a special compound that aims to keep important energy levels in the brain stable, which could help prevent or improve symptoms of the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLouis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10863819 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease by focusing on preserving brain levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital energy metabolite that decreases with age and in Alzheimer's patients. The study uses a preclinical mouse model to test a novel compound, P7C3-A20, which is designed to maintain NAD+ levels in the brain. By doing so, the researchers aim to prevent or reverse Alzheimer's-like symptoms and pathology. This approach shifts away from traditional methods that have focused heavily on amyloid-related therapies, which have shown limited success.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease who do not have significant declines in NAD+ levels may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that effectively prevent or reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting NAD+ levels is relatively novel, preliminary studies in other contexts have shown promise in maintaining brain health.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.