Disclosure: I invest in Chromadex (CDXC) the TRU Niagen manufacturer but am receiving no direct company compensations or endorsements from anyone. Please proceed at your own risk and talk with your own licensed medical professional before trying any substance or treatment option.
Disclaimer: This post contains information and opinions from someone with no background in medicine or science (proceed at own risk). Always consult with your own licensed and trusted financial, medical, and legal practitioners before making any decisions about diagnosis, treatment, estate planning, or outcomes for dementia or any other condition.
Now, for own opinion (proceed at your own risk):
The evolving scientific research for nicotinamide riboside (pronounced: nick-o-TIN-uh-MYde RIB-o-SIDE) and its potential effectiveness against Alzheimer's. Have been taking Tru Niagen once daily for about three years after a recommendation from loving Hubby who follows the latest articles in Life Extension among other publications and he is taking their version of this product (again, no actual or implied endorsements - just a fun fact). Caution: All I can tell you is how Tru Niagen makes me feel but, of course, this may not apply to anyone else so PLEASE talk with your own licensed healthcare provider before taking this stuff (or anything else). Fanks!
Next, let's explore the science based upon the B3-related compound for this product called Nicotinamine Riboside (NR) which is a precursor to NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). There is also a NAD+ but more on this later. In short, what we really need is for our brains to produce NAD+ but this is a bit harder to uptake because of the protective blood-brain barrier for which the brain will reply when any substance tries to enter (even the good ones): "A world of NO.”
For example, the barrier may block a pill from uptake to protect the brain (whether or not there is actual danger); therefore, research is ongoing to see how NAD will uptake (as with NAD+ nasal sprays - sorry, could not yet find a link) but these sprays are in early trials so **would NOT** recommend getting one except from a licensed healthcare professional who also consults the latest scientific research - and, don’t be afraid to ask which studies they follow with hope it’s the National Institutes of Health because these are based upon peer-reviewed scientific studies with healthy skepticism. Plus, if you decide to sign-up for the NIH free e-news, then please know that it’s a refreshing read in approachable studies without tech jargon.
Here’s why MeLikey Tru Niagen:
I LOVE that I no longer feel I need to take a nap at the end of the day (as before taking Tru Niagen). Instead, my energy levels continue all day long on a gentle plateau until it’s time for bed and will sleep through the night as long as am not stressing out about something else. Or, if am having trouble sleeping, then (as directed) I will take either the Melatonin (lozenge formula) by Klaire Labs and/or the Magnesium (capsules) called CogniMag by Pure Encapsulations. Of the two, I prefer the lozenge option since typically sleep better but results may vary or work better in combo. - Buffy, the Dementia Slayer
Also, coffee is my bloody daily chum (as Spikey Wikey shows us with his own cuppa blood); so, this (brown) elixir might help, too! Not sure. All I feel is that Tru Niagen gives me energy all day even when all caffeine has worn off. Here’s what Tru Niagen claims about their product (again, buyer or investor beware).
Also: If you decide to try Tru Niagen, then consider giving it two weeks to take full effect. Otherwise, it might seem that it’s not working. At least, this was own experience. Let’s put it this way, before being on Keto and eating a usual high-carb meal, I would ALWAYS have to nap at the end of any given day. Now, between Tru Niagen and Keto, I find that the only time I need a nap is if I don’t get enough sleep. Go figure.
What is Nicotinamide Riboside? NAD? NAD+?
Funny, but had a hard time answering this question on the internets without a bunch of ads beforehand; however, Healthline did their homework (with citations) and please keep in mind this article is already a bit dated from 2018. Plus, check it:
“Low NAD+ levels have been linked to health concerns like aging and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and vision loss.” Remember, as seen in this Alzheimer's study (yay, Dr. Stefani!), eye diseases such as macular degeneration are really “neurodegenerative”! Or, as my own eye doctor put it: “Your eyes are really just brain extensions.”
Consider, too, these other perspectives:
The Daily Mining Gazette: NAD+ is not FDA regulated (nor are any supplements)
Danish study: NR does not work in humans.
Scientific American: Could NAD+ make cancer tumors grow faster?
Washington Post: Do NAD-boosting supplements fight aging? Not according to current research.