NAD+

Did you know that cognitive slow down begins as early as your 40s? A recent study found that 45-49 year olds have an average of 4% decline compared to a decade ago. 65 year olds showed a 10% decline! By the time someone has reached their 70s or 80s and been diagnosed with dementia, the process has been underway for decades. The possibility of losing our minds is certainly terrifying and many people think cognitive decline is an inevitability of aging.

But that’s not true!

I’m here to share the good news that we don’t have to resign ourselves to the inevitability of a declining brain. There are so many things we can do to keep our brains healthy, and even improve cognitive function and performance even if you are noticing changes.

Here is a recent success story of measurable reversal in only a month! This is a 73 year old male with diagnosed early onset dementia earlier this year. Take a look at the before and after pictures of the standardized “copy the cube” and “clock” tests. He made clear improvements and the Parkinson-like tremor is better too. His overall score improved back to where it was 9 months ago! This is a clear example of reversal of cognitive decline with lifestyle and IV nutrients.

While I customize every protocol to fit each individual’s situation and lab findings, two factors are absolutely essential. 1) following a healthy brain lifestyle and 2) ensuring all necessary vitamins and cofactors are present so the body can heal, detoxify, and regenerate. Let’s take a closer look.

A healthy brain lifestyle

I talk about lifestyle instead of diet because it is about learning and following a way of living rather than simply following a diet plan. The best pattern to implement for a healthy brain is Mediterranean lifestyle. Of course, this is a diet high in vegetables, fish, and whole grains. It is low in sugar, red meat, processed foods. Olive oil, rich in mono unsaturated fat and polyphenols, plays a central role in the diet. The Mediterranean diet is certainly not “low fat.” Indeed, our brains are largely made of fat. and some have questioned whether the low fat/no fat fads of the late twentieth century played a role in the dramatic increase in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia we see today. There are other confounders – the “low fat” alternatives to regular foods were often highly processed or full of chemicals – remember margarine?

The Mediterranean lifestyle is more than what you eat. It is also about being active every day and engaged in social interactions. Whether in Greece, France, Lebanon or Spain, these cultures have walkable cities and often require climbing lots of hills and stairs to get around. This daily activity is key. Further, walkable cities foster socializing. People see and talk with their neighbors, or enjoy a coffee together in a café. The importance of social connection is well established as a preventive factor in maintaining a healthy brain.

I recently created a 28-day Better Brain program to make it easy to re-create this lifestyle no matter where you are. This online program is implemented via an App on your phone or tablet. I’m very excited about having this lifestyle-based tool available to people everywhere! It includes a delicious menu and recipes, a physical activity program, breathing & meditation, trackers and reminders to keep you engaged, and more! You can learn more here.

Next time, I’ll delve into the second factor – key nutrients for brain health.

NAD+ is a coenzyme also known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide that enables the transfer of energy inside the mitochondria of the cells. NAD+ is probably as important as oxygen to make cells work. It is the “fuel” for the mitochondria inside each cell. NAD+ levels begin to decline after age 30, and in response to unhealthy lifestyle, diet, use of drugs or alcohol, stress, toxins, or a host of other factors. Levels are particularly low in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS, or Alzheimer’s.

What Does NAD+ Do?

NAD+ multiple functions. Primarily, it is involved with DNA repair, cellular function energy production, and promoting cell health. It is especially important for tissue repair, neuro-regeneration, longevity, and inflammation.

What Factors are to Blame for NAD+Deficiencies?

1. DEGENERATIVE DISEASES: Research shows NAD+ deficiencies may trigger a host of metabolic and degenerative diseases—including Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s, and cardiometabolic disease. Two clinical trials have tested IV and oral NAD+ in Parkinson’s patients. There was an 80% positive response rate, with 20% rating their improvement as “very good.” The effect was strongest amongst patients who were younger and more recently diagnosed. More research is underway.

2. STRESS: The American Psychological Association links chronic stress to the six leading

causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and

suicide. The physiologic consequences of stress include oxidative stress, which can be tested

for with lab tests. High levels of oxidative stress are an indication for NAD+

supplementation.

3. DIET / ALCOHOL / DRUGS: The body doesn’t make NAD+ unless you consume ample

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) or its precursor tryptophan. The modern-day diet high in sugar,

refined flour and unhealthy fats deplete NAD+. In addition, the use of alcohol and drugs are

strong contributors to NAD+ depletion. IV NAD+ has long been used to detoxify patients

from alcohol, opiates, tranquilizers and stimulants. In my clinical experience, it helps greatly

reduce withdrawal symptoms, often eliminating drug/alcohol cravings and, most

importantly, restores mental clarity.

4. INFLAMMATION: Inflammation has become a major issue and contributing factor in the

majority of chronic conditions. Simply put, inflammation is your immune system’s response to

stress – whether it be from injury, diet, emotions, lifestyle, or environment. Unfortunately, the

immune system is prone to overreaction and consumes large amounts of NAD+. Further,

inflammation can lead to tissue damage ranging from arthritis to heart disease. Restoring

NAD+ levels calms the immune system and repairs the damage.

What are the biggest benefits of NAD+ therapy?

BRAIN FUNCTION: One of the most impacted organs from NAD+ deficiency is the brain. NAD+ helps replenish the supply of neurotransmitters and improve cognitive functioning. Subjectively, patients report feeling clearer. Vision and awareness are sharpened. Elderly patients often report tackling paperwork like estate planning and banking with renewed motivation and clarity. NAD+ has been shown to be effective with cases of brain fog, cognitive impairment, brain function “chemo brain”.

ANTI-AGING: Because of its key role in cellular energy and DNA repair, NAD plays a critical role in anti-aging and longevity. A research review reported “upregulation of NAD metabolism, including dietary supplementation with NAD precursors, has been shown to prevent the decline of NAD and exhibits beneficial effects against aging and aging-associated diseases. In addition, many studies have demonstrated that genetic and/or nutritional activation of NAD metabolism can extend the lifespan of diverse organisms.”

How do I try NAD+ therapy?

The best results are achieved with intravenous NAD+ given repeatedly with other B vitamin and anti-oxidants. Dr. Oberg’s proprietary combination formula is superior to most options offered by other clinics. Please ask what a personalized protocol for your concerns would look like. On average, 5 or 10 infusions are given on a twice/week schedule. Often a series of 5 is repeated every 6-12 months for maintenance. Dose is titrated to patient tolerance. starting at low dose $399 per infusion, up to high doses for $699 with a 10% discount when purchased in packs of 5 or 10.

It should also be taken as a daily dietary supplement in the form of nicotinamide riboside 500mg per day. Intermittent fasting, moderate intake of wine, and resveratrol also promote NAD+