Clinical Evidence! NR Improves Cognitive Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is not merely about tremors. More concerning is that most patients gradually develop cognitive impairment, which may eventually progress to dementia. Unfortunately, traditional medications can only temporarily relieve motor symptoms, while offering little benefit in slowing the continuous decline in cognitive function.
Recently, a randomized, double-blind Phase II clinical trial published in the internationally recognized journal Brain Communications reported a major breakthrough: after 84 days of treatment, a combination metabolic activator containing NR (nicotinamide riboside) significantly improved cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
PART 01
As a complex neurodegenerative disorder, the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are receiving increasing attention. This study highlights that:
This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 patients with Parkinson’s disease over an 84-day treatment period. The therapy adopted a combination strategy rather than using NR alone, incorporating multiple metabolic activators:
Study results:
Through comprehensive plasma metabolomics and proteomics analyses, the study revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive improvement:
Metabolic level:
The study used conventional NR chloride; however, this form suffers from poor stability, clumping, and discoloration, leading to rapid degradation of active ingredients and reduced efficacy. In contrast, Bontac NR malate offers significant advantages:
Recently, a randomized, double-blind Phase II clinical trial published in the internationally recognized journal Brain Communications reported a major breakthrough: after 84 days of treatment, a combination metabolic activator containing NR (nicotinamide riboside) significantly improved cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
PART 01
Cognitive Decline: The “Invisible Killer” in Parkinson’s Disease
As a complex neurodegenerative disorder, the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are receiving increasing attention. This study highlights that:
- The majority of Parkinson’s disease patients eventually develop cognitive impairment
- Even in the early stages, metabolic abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction are already present
- Traditional dopamine replacement therapies have limited effects on cognition and may even cause side effects
PART 02
Clinical Breakthrough: Significant Cognitive Improvement in 84 DaysThis study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 patients with Parkinson’s disease over an 84-day treatment period. The therapy adopted a combination strategy rather than using NR alone, incorporating multiple metabolic activators:
- NR (1 g): Provides NAD+ precursors, the “energy currency” of cells, driving mitochondrial function and activating sirtuin deacetylases
- L-serine (12.35 g) & NAC (2.55 g): Key precursors for glutathione synthesis, the brain’s primary antioxidant that combats oxidative stress
- L-carnitine tartrate (3.73 g): Transports fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation, acting as a “carrier” in energy metabolism
Study results:
- After 84 days, the CMA group showed a significant improvement in MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores (P < 0.0001), while the placebo group showed no improvement (P > 0.05)
- Among patients with lower baseline MoCA scores (severe cognitive impairment), the CMA group exhibited even greater improvement (P = 0.001), with no improvement in the placebo group
- CMA did not improve motor symptoms but significantly enhanced cognition, indicating a mechanism independent of the dopamine pathway and opening new directions for Parkinson’s treatment
PART 03
Mechanistic Insights: Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Basis of Cognitive ImprovementThrough comprehensive plasma metabolomics and proteomics analyses, the study revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive improvement:
Metabolic level:
- NR significantly increased NAD+ metabolism-related metabolites
- Carnitine metabolites were significantly upregulated, enhancing energy supply
- Toxic metabolites (e.g., kynurenine) were significantly reduced
- Expression changes in 20 proteins associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
- Significant downregulation of neurodegeneration-related proteins such as MMP9 and OSM
- Functional MRI showed enhanced activity in the salience network (P < 0.05)
- Involvement of key cognitive regions including bilateral frontal poles, left paracingulate gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, left supplementary motor cortex, bilateral superior frontal gyri, and right precentral gyrus, providing imaging evidence for cognitive improvement
PART 04
Bontac NR Malate: A Stable and Efficient NAD+ PrecursorThe study used conventional NR chloride; however, this form suffers from poor stability, clumping, and discoloration, leading to rapid degradation of active ingredients and reduced efficacy. In contrast, Bontac NR malate offers significant advantages:
- Enhanced Stability: Utilizing patented crystalline technology, Bontac NR malate shows a decomposition rate of only 0.72% in air, far lower than 8.37% for traditional NR chloride. This ensures the active ingredient remains effective from opening to consumption
- Improved Bioavailability: The malate form significantly enhances intestinal absorption of NR, ensuring more active compounds enter systemic circulation and reach target organs such as the brain
- Patent Protection: Bontac NR malate has been granted patents in China (No. 202410881394.X) and the United States (No. US12378279B2), providing strong technical validation and supporting clinical efficacy
