Examining Evidence for the Cognition-Enhancing Potential of the Antioxidant Astaxanthin

The antioxidant astaxanthin significantly extends male mouse lifespan, and human research suggests it may help prevent age-related cognitive decline.

(An image of the red-orange pigment astaxanthin | Gruppo Farmalmpresa)

The potent antioxidant astaxanthin may have pro-longevity effects, and human trial data suggests it improves cognitive function in older adults.

Aging &amp; Longevity

Model: Young (2- to 4-month-old) and aged (9- to 10-month-old) C57Bl/6JR mice, APP/PS1 mice, and 5xFAD mice 
Dosage: 0.2 mg/mL of doxycycline in drinking water starting at least 7 days before surgery and ceased 2 days before the partial cellular reprogramming window for engram tagging, after which it was immediately reintroduced

Gene Therapy Restores Cognitive Function in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

Delivering a gene therapy targeting ensembles of neurons that store memories restores learning and memory capabilities in mouse models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

(The study’s principal investigator, Professor Johannes Gräff | 24 Heures)

A partial cellular reprogramming gene therapy targeting memory trace cells restores facets of learning and memory in aged mice and those modeling Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain &amp; Neurons

Participants: Healthy male adults between the ages of 18 and 50 
Dosage: 714 mg/day of nicotinamide and 19 mg/day of pyridoxine for nine days

In a randomized human trial, combining nicotinamide with vitamin B6 increases stem cell activation and muscle-growth capacity in response to exercise. 

Skin &amp; Muscle

Chinese scientists have genetically engineered stem cells capable of rejuvenating the health, including the cognition, of aged macaques. 

A young crab-eating macaque (image: shutterstock.com). 

Model: Primary hippocampal neurons from non-transgenic C57BL/6 (nTg) and triple-transgenic 3xTg-AD mice; age groups: young (2–6 mo), middle (8–11 mo), and old (17–28 mo).
Dosage: Nicotinamide 2 mM + EGCG 2 µM applied to cultured neurons for 16 h (in vitro).

Study shows that brief nicotinamide + EGCG treatment restores neuronal energy in 16–24 hours, restores autophagy, reduces amyloid-beta buildup, and boosts neuron survival by ~22% in aging/Alzheimer’s lab models.

Search Result: Transcription

Examining Evidence for the Cognition-Enhancing Potential of the Antioxidant Astaxanthin

Gene Therapy Targeting Memory-Encoding Neurons Restores Cognitive Function in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

NAD+ Booster and Vitamin B6 Activate Stem Cells to Counter Muscle Shrinkage, New Studies Show

Anti-Aging Breakthrough: Stem Cells Reverse Signs of Aging in Monkeys

Nicotinamide + EGCG Reboot Autophagy and Ease Hallmarks of Brain Aging