How NAD Can Help Enhance Memory, Clarity, And Focus

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Remember the feeling of having your brain run on full cylinders - when you can recall facts in a blink of an eye, think on your feet quickly, and ponder how having brain fog is something other people dealt with? Beyond its well-known role in energy metabolism and DNA repair, recent research has sparked excitement around the potential link between NAD and our brain's abilities.

As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, NAD, or Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in several biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell survival. Recent research has been exploring the potential link between NAD and cognitive functions such as memory, mental clarity, and focus.

Understanding the role of NAD in the brain

Deep within the trillions of cells in our bodies, NAD works tirelessly to keep the engines of life running smoothly. It resides predominantly in the mitochondria, often called “the powerhouse of the cell”, where it plays a pivotal role in producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells.

When it comes to the brain, energy is paramount—especially for neurons, the information processors that demand vast amounts of fuel to perform at their best. However, as the brain consumes 20% of our body’s oxygen supply to be used for energy, it is inevitably subjected to a byproduct of oxidative stress, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS has been linked to DNA damage and suboptimal cellular functioning which can all wreak havoc on your plans to have your brain be in tip-top shape. 

The impact of NAD on neuronal function

Scientific investigations have uncovered the profound impact of NAD on neuronal function. As the brain guzzles energy, NAD emerges as a key player in maintaining its health and proper functioning by keeping ROS at bay and lowering inflammatory pathways.

Research has indicated that NAD may be associated with improved mental performance, bolstering memory and mental clarity. It doesn't stop there—NAD also influences the synthesis of essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, potentially offering relief from depression, anxiety, and addiction.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that levels of the NAD+ generating proteins that impact mitochondrial function were disrupted in patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

How NAD impacts Neuroplasticity

Ever marveled at the brain's ability to rewire and adapt? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt in response to experiences. We owe much of that functioning to NAD. In the realm of neurons, NAD plays a critical role in preserving the structural and functional plasticity of these tiny powerhouses.

By promoting synaptic plasticity and enhancing the shape of neurons, NAD demonstrates its prowess as a guardian of neuroplasticity. This exciting trait has even shown promise in models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Adding NAD+ patches, like the Ion Layer high-dose NAD+ patches, to your arsenal of brain protective protocols can provide a long-lasting benefit and give you a peace of mind…pun intended.

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NAD and memory enhancement

As time passes by, memory often succumbs to the passage of years. But NAD therapy might provide a solution to this age-old predicament. With aging, brain cells struggle to maintain memory capacity due to energy depletion and other natural cellular changes. Increasing NAD levels will provide a potential remedy to regenerate brain cells and neurotransmitters offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against memory loss. 

We’ve got just the NAD solution for you.

When investigating the impact of NAD on mouse models with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), one study, published in the Neurobiology of Aging, found that NAD suppressed AD pathology and cognitive decline by preserving mitochondrial integrity and autophagy function. Additionally, it reduced neuronal vulnerability to oxidative and metabolic insults and amyloid βeta plaque toxicity.

Another study, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, looked at the impact of eight-week NAD+ administration of mice. Researchers found that NAD+ improved cognitive function while inhibiting neuroinflammation by protecting the mitochondria and decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species.

One more recent study is worth mentioning as it suggested additional benefits to increasing NAD+ supplementation. According to researchers it helped decrease DNA damage, apoptosis, and cellular senescence in the AD mouse brains.

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NAD and mental clarity

Mental clarity, like a shimmering gem, is also within the grasp of NAD's influence. As NAD aids brain cells in energy production, it nurtures healthy neural connections, leading to improved mental clarity and focus.

Furthermore, research indicates that NAD may reduce mental fatigue and brain fog, supporting faster recovery from cognitive exhaustion. 

NAD's role in enhancing focus

Focus, like memory and mental clarity, is another cognitive function that can be influenced by NAD. By supporting the energy metabolism in the brain, NAD helps maintain optimal brain function, which can lead to improved focus and concentration.

NAD aids in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of neural circuits, which then translates into increased focus and attention. Studies have shown that supplementation with NAD precursors can support synaptic plasticity, thereby potentially enhancing focus and concentration.

Boosting NAD levels

While the body naturally produces NAD, its levels dwindle with age, subjected to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Keep an eye out for a list of signs we covered in another blog to catch NAD deficiency as early as possible.

But worry not—there are ways to replenish this essential coenzyme, potentially reaping the cognitive benefits of enhanced memory, mental clarity, and focus.

High-dose NAD patches

The quest for boosted NAD levels introduces high-dose NAD patches, a convenient and non-invasive alternative. Applied to the skin, these patches release NAD+ directly into the bloodstream at a steady pace with ease utilizing a medical-grade patch. 

At Ion Layer, we wanted to provide an easy, convenient, needle-free and cost-effective way for anyone to boost their NAD+ levels efficiently. All that flexibility and comfort in mind, so you can increase your cellular NAD+ levels with 500mg NAD+ per patch without interrupting your daily or nightly routines.

Get ahead of aging, inflammation, oxidative stress and loss of memory and click here to sign up today to get your Ion Layer patch prescription! 

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