What Is NAD⁺ and Why It Matters in Parkinson’s Disease

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for energy metabolism, mitochondrial health, and cellular repair. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), where neurons that produce dopamine slowly die off, energy dysfunction and oxidative stress are major drivers. NAD⁺ levels naturally decline with age and are often found to be lower in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including PD.

Boosting NAD⁺—either through direct supplementation (like NADH or NAD⁺) or precursors (like NR or NMN)—may help protect these vulnerable brain cells.