Mild Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment
Conditions
Keywords
Mild Cognitive Impairment, Bioenergetics, Mild Alzheimer's Dementia
Brief summary
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of exogenously administered nicotinamide riboside (NR) on brain energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's dementia (AD).
Detailed description
Mitochondrial function is mediated, in part, by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Unfortunately, decreases in NAD+ levels are associated with normal aging, and also with numerous diseases such as AD. Accumulating evidence suggests that NR can enhance mitochondrial function and help slow or reverse these age-related abnormalities. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been performed using NR and related compounds to boost NAD+ level in human subjects with various diseases or animal models. However, no studies to date have investigated in vivo metabolic and bioenergetic changes (target engagement) associated with NR supplementation. In this project, we aim to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms and clinical effects of NR in patients with MCI and mild AD using in vivo novel neuroimaging techniques.
Interventions
DRUGNicotinamide riboside
Participants will take 4 pills every day, each containing 250 mg NR (NIAGEN® by Chromadex; www.chromadex.com), via the oral route, for 12 weeks.
Sponsors
Mclean Hospital
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
55 Years to 89 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Ability of the participant and/or his/her legally authorized representative to understand the purpose and risks of the study, to provide signed and dated informed consent, and to authorize the use of confidential health information. * Ability to speak and read fluently in English * 55-89 years old (inclusive) * Normal or corrected to normal hearing and vision * Meet clinical diagnostic criteria for MCI or Mild AD, according to the following criteria: 1. CDR Global Score of 0.5 (MCI) or 1.0 (mild AD) 2. 2018 NIA-AA guidelines for MCI/mild AD * Study partner available for the duration of trial participation * At least one copy of the APOE ε4 allele or AD+ including Amyloid positive PET scan, Tau positive PET Scan (MK6240 et al.), or CSF AD biomarkers \[i.e., amyloid-beta beta (Aβ42) total (T)-tau, and phosphorylated (P)-tau\] * An aggregate risk score \> 4 according to the risk analysis method developed by Sabbagh et al. (2017) * For individuals who are taking niacin (or a vitamin supplement with niacin) of \>200mg, the completion of a two-week wash-out period
Exclusion criteria
* Current serious or unstable medical or neurological condition that could affect cognitive functioning, as determined by study clinician * Clinically unstable mood or anxiety disorder within 6 months prior to screening, as determined by study clinician * Lifetime history of psychotic disorder (i.e. Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder), as determined by study clinician * Diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder * Any MRI safety contraindications * History of drug hypersensitivity or intolerance to NR * Transient ischemic attack or stroke within 1 year prior to screening * History of alcohol or substance abuse within prior year, as determined by study clinician and urine toxicology screen * History of head injury rated as moderate or worse, per DSM-5 criteria * History of seizure within prior 10 years * Current use of medication with known adverse effects on cognition (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiate analgesics, first generation antipsychotic medication, centrally acting anticholinergics, sedating antihistamines, tricyclic anti-depressants) * Change in dose of any psychiatric medications within 4 weeks of screening visit * Prior use of L-DOPA, any anti-Parkinsonian medication, or prior treatment with anti-amyloid immunotherapy * Current use of putative mitochondrial enhancers and antioxidants (e.g carnitine, creatine Co-Q10, N-acetyl cysteine \[NAC\], pramipexole) * Initiation of treatment or change in dosing of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and memantine within 4 weeks of baseline visit * Prior use of prescription narcotics 4 weeks before baseline visit * Female subjects who are pregnant or breastfeeding * The use of current use of niacin (or a vitamin supplement with niacin) \>200mg within the last two weeks prior to study visit. * Current or lifetime history of cancer.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in brain NAD+ | Baseline, 6 and 12 weeks, pre- and post- 1000 mg NR daily | Changes in brain NAD+ levels |
| Changes in brain redox state | Baseline, 6 and 12 weeks, pre- and post- 1000 mg NR daily | Changes in brain NAD+/NADH ratio |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in mitochondrial function | Baseline, 6 and 12 weeks, pre- and post- 1000 mg NR daily | Changes in brain CK/ATPase activity |
| Changes in antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels | Baseline, 6 and 12 weeks, pre- and post- 1000 mg NR daily | Changes in brain GSH levels |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORFei Du, PhD
Mclean Hospital
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORBrent Forester, MD, MSc
Mclean Hospital
Outcome results
None listed