Testing a new drug to improve brain health in Alzheimer's patients

A Proof of Concept Trial of a Sirtuin-NAD+ Activator in Alzheimer's Disease

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10990578

This study is looking at whether a supplement called NMN can help improve brain health and thinking skills in older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and mild dementia by boosting important brain chemicals, and participants will take it for 90 days while being closely monitored for safety and effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10990578 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor to NAD+, can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier in older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and mild dementia. Over a 90-day period, participants will receive NMN to assess its impact on brain NAD+ levels and overall cognitive function. The study aims to understand the drug's mechanism and its potential to enhance brain health in this population. Participants will be closely monitored to evaluate the drug's safety and effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or mild dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dementia or those unable to undergo lumbar puncture may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using NMN is relatively novel, similar studies targeting NAD+ pathways have shown promise in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.