Why This Matters to Us:
As longevity enthusiasts, we are deeply interested in interventions that can extend healthy lifespan and improve quality of life. Alzheimer's disease is a major concern due to its impact on cognitive decline and overall aging. Discovering therapies that not only target Alzheimer's but also promote general health and longevity is crucial. This study offers optimism that combining certain supplements can impact Alzheimer’s pathology and could potentially improve cognitive function and support healthy aging.
The Detail:
In a compelling study from the University of Jinan in China, researchers explored the effects of a combination of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), and lactulose on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alzheimer's is characterised by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and neurodegeneration, often linked with the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides forming plaques in the brain. These plaques are seen as primary drivers of AD progression.
The team administered this NMN combo orally to a mouse model of AD. The results were promising: there was a 67% reduction in Aβ plaques in the cerebral cortex, a brain region crucial for consciousness, thinking, and memory, and a 60% reduction in the hippocampus, important for memory consolidation (source).
Moreover, the NMN combo improved gut health in these mice, reducing inflammation and enhancing the absorptive capacity of the colon wall. This is significant because gut health is increasingly being recognised for its impact on brain health through the gut-brain axis. The intervention also lowered levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the brain and the colon. ROS can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and aging.
Breaking down each component:
- NMN: Known for its role in cellular energy production and aging, NMN was used at a dose equivalent to around 1.5 g for a 170-pound human. This dosage is based on previous studies where NMN improved cognition in AD models through injections.
- L. plantarum: This probiotic was included at 100 million CFU. While previous studies used higher doses to enhance memory and learning in stress-induced models, this lower dose aims to work synergistically with lactulose.
- Lactulose: A prebiotic that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, lactulose was included at 200 mg/kg, similar to doses that ameliorated cognitive deficits in other AD models.
Importantly, the NMN combo did more than tackle plaques. It modified the gut microbiota and reduced inflammation, which are both linked to cognitive function and overall health. The expression of gut barrier proteins Claudin-1 and ZO-1 was increased, enhancing intestinal integrity, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were decreased.
These results hint at a broad therapeutic potential. Each component of the combo has been shown to improve cognition on its own. When combined, these benefits seem to amplify, reflecting the synergistic effects of NMN, probiotics, and prebiotics.
Safety and efficacy in humans are critical next steps. Studies have shown that doses up to 2 g per day of NMN are safe for human use short-term, and probiotics and prebiotics are generally well-tolerated. However, while there is substantial evidence supporting the anti-aging benefits of these supplements, more robust clinical trials are necessary to confirm their cognitive-enhancing effects in humans.
Understanding Alzheimer's and preventing its onset is a multifaceted challenge. Many traditional interventions focus directly on reducing Aβ plaques, often with limited success. This study suggests a new approach targeting the gut microbiome and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Additionally, lifestyle measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and continuous learning and social interaction are recommended for reducing AD risk. Diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (like fish) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and those patterned after the DASH or MIND diets, can also contribute to cognitive health.
Future research should further explore how early interventions, including supplements like NMN, probiotics, and prebiotics, might prevent AD and extend healthy longevity. For now, this study provides an exciting glimpse into the potential combined benefits of these interventions, offering hope for new treatments and preventive strategies against Alzheimer's disease.
