NAD+ therapy is a treatment that uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to improve cognitive function in degenerative disorders. NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells that is involved in a variety of cellular processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and cell death.
The levels of NAD+ in the body decline with age, and this decline has been linked to the development of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
NAD+ therapy is designed to replenish the levels of NAD+ in the body and improve cognitive function in those with degenerative diseases.
In this article from Baltimore Ketamine Clinic, we’ll explore NAD+ therapy in more depth and discover how this procedure works, what is involved, and how it can improve cognitive function in degenerative disorders.
The Origins of NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ therapy was first developed in the early 1900s by Dr. Otto Warburg, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1931 for his discovery of the relationship between cancer and metabolism.
Warburg found that cancer cells have a high rate of glycolysis, which is the anaerobic (without oxygen) fermentation of sugar to produce energy, even in the presence of oxygen.
He theorized that the high rate of glycolysis was due to a lack of NAD+, which is needed for aerobic respiration, which is the process by which cells produce energy from oxygen. Warburg’s theory was later confirmed by other researchers, and it led to the development of NAD+ therapy as a treatment for cancer.
NAD+ therapy was first used clinically in the 1950s, but it was not until the early 2000s that it began to be studied for its potential to treat degenerative diseases. In 2019, a study was published that showed that NAD+ could improve cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
These findings and subsequent studies have led to a resurgence of interest in NAD+ therapy and its potential to treat degenerative diseases.
What Causes Cognitive Decline?
Cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, but it can also be caused by degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of cognitive decline, and it is characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are made up of beta-amyloid proteins that clump together and interfere with nerve cell function.
Parkinson’s disease is another degenerative disease that leads to cognitive decline. This disease is caused by the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in cognition, movement, and emotion.
Huntington’s disease is a degenerative disease that causes nerve cells in the brain to die. This disease is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene, which leads to the production of an abnormal protein that kills nerve cells.
NAD+ therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function in all three of these degenerative diseases.
Why Is NAD+ Therapy So Beneficial?
NAD+ therapy is designed to replenish the levels of NAD+ in the body and improve cognitive function in those with degenerative diseases. This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in a number of ways, including:
Increasing Energy Production
NAD+ is required for aerobic respiration. A decrease in NAD+ levels leads to a decrease in energy production, contributing to cognitive decline. NAD+ therapy has been shown to increase energy production and improve cognitive function in those with degenerative diseases.
Repairing DNA
NAD+ is also required for DNA repair. This process is vital for maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing the development of cancer and other diseases. NAD+ therapy has been shown to improve DNA repair and prevent, slow down, and halt the development of degenerative diseases.
Regulating Cell Death
NAD+ also plays a role in regulating cell death. A lack of NAD+ can lead to an increase in cell death, which can contribute to the decline of cognitive function as well as a host of other health problems. NAD+ therapy has been shown to decrease cell death, improving the production of new, healthy cells.
Reducing Inflammation
NAD+ is also involved in the regulation of inflammation. A decrease in NAD+ levels can lead to an increase in inflammation, contributing to the development of degenerative diseases. NAD+ therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in various ways, boosting the overall health of the body’s functions.
Enhancing Mitochondrial Function
NAD+ is also involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Mitochondria play a vital role in energy production within a cell. A decrease in NAD+ levels can lead to a decrease in mitochondrial function, which can contribute to the development of degenerative diseases. NAD+ therapy has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function throughout the body.
NAD+ therapy has been shown to be beneficial in many ways, and it is an effective treatment for cognitive decline in degenerative diseases. If you or someone you know is suffering from cognitive decline, NAD+ therapy may be right for you.
Receive NAD+ Therapy at Baltimore Ketamine Clinic
At Baltimore Ketamine Clinic, we offer NAD+ therapy to those suffering from decreased cognitive function and degenerative diseases. NAD+ therapy is a safe and effective treatment that can improve cognitive function and overall health.
If you are interested in receiving NAD+ therapy, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about this therapy and help you determine if it is right for you.
