Can a vitamin B3 pill boost brain energy in early Alzheimer's?

NCT ID NCT04430517

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Mclean Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether a daily vitamin B3 supplement called nicotinamide riboside can improve brain energy and reduce stress in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease. Fifty participants will take the supplement for 12 weeks while researchers measure changes in brain chemistry and thinking skills. The goal is to see if this simple approach might help slow down memory decline.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: nicotinamide riboside (a form of vitamin B3)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple supplement to support brain energy and slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial (50 people) with no placebo group, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. The supplement is generally safe but may cause mild stomach upset.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MILD ALZHEIMER DISEASE MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

McLean Hospital

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States

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