Brain Aging: 2 Supplements to Slow Decline | New Study

Brain Cell Rejuvenation: Supplements Show Promise in Reversing Age-Related Cognitive Decline

A groundbreaking study published in August 2025 suggests a combination of vitamin B3 and green tea extract may restore the brain’s natural cleaning processes,offering a potential pathway to combat age-related cognitive issues and diseases like Alzheimer’s.

As we age, our brains become less efficient at clearing out harmful proteins and damaged components, a decline directly linked to cognitive impairment. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have identified a potential solution: a targeted nutritional approach that appears to revitalize cellular function.

The energy Crisis in Aging Brains

The research, led by Professor Gregory brewer, pinpointed a critical factor in brain aging – a decline in guanosintriphosphate (GTP), an essential energy molecule. “With increasing age,the brains of people show a decline in neuronal energy mirrors,which limits the ability to remove undesirable proteins and damaged components,” explained Brewer in a statement.

To visualize this energy depletion, the team employed a novel tool called geval, described as an “energy measuring device” that illuminates when it detects GTP within cells. Experiments using brain cells from aged mice – exhibiting similar pathologies to Alzheimer’s patients – revealed substantially lower energy levels compared to younger cells,particularly within the mitochondria,the cell’s powerhouses.This energy deficit severely hampered autophagy, the vital process by which cells eliminate damaged components.

A Two-Pronged Nutritional Approach

The researchers focused on a combination of two readily available natural compounds:

• Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3.
• Epigallocatechin-Gallat (EGCG), a potent antioxidant found in green tea.

The results were striking. Within 24 hours of treatment, GTP levels in aged neurons were restored to levels typically observed in younger cells. This energy boost triggered a cascade of positive effects:

• improved energy metabolism, restoring the cells’ basic energy supply.
• Reactivation of crucial transport proteins – specifically GTPases Rab7 and ARL8B – essential for cellular transport.
• Efficient removal of harmful amyloid beta-aggregates, often referred to as an “Alzheimer’s license plate.”
• Reduced oxidative stress, another key contributor to neurodegeneration.

Did you know?– The brain’s ability to clear waste products declines with age, contributing to cognitive issues. This process, called autophagy, is vital for removing damaged cellular components and maintaining brain health.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the encouraging findings, researchers caution against premature optimism. A meaningful hurdle lies in the bioavailability of nicotinamide. Clinical studies have shown that oral intake is less effective, as the substance is readily inactivated in the bloodstream. Further research is needed to determine optimal delivery methods and dosages.

While the study focused on supplements, maintaining cognitive health extends beyond nutrition. Fitness trainer Alexandra Grauvogl emphasizes the importance of physical activity, offering a free 8-week walking training plan for beginners.

Pro tip:– regular physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, supporting neuronal health and potentially enhancing the effects of nutritional interventions like vitamin B3 and green tea extract.

The discovery represents a significant step forward in understanding the mechanisms of brain aging and identifying potential interventions.However, as Brewer and his team emphasize, further investigation is crucial to translate these promising laboratory results into effective therapies for age

Reader question:– Can these supplements prevent Alzheimer’s? While promising, current research suggests they may help restore brain function, but more studies are needed to determine preventative capabilities.