NAD+ therapy is an innovative, evidence-based intervention that can be a valuable part of a comprehensive brain optimization strategy.
What Does Brain Optimization Mean?
The term brain optimization describes a multifaceted effort to improve brain health and enhance cognitive functioning.
The many elements that can contribute to brain optimization include:
- Healthy lifestyle habits such as following a nutritious diet plan, exercising regularly, and getting an appropriate amount of sleep
- Activities that promote greater neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to make both structural and functional changes in response to internal and environmental stimuli
- Technological advances such as quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), which have allowed neuroscientists to gain greater insights into the structure and function of the human brain
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as NAD+ for brain health
Why Do People Seek Help for Brain Optimization?
There are a variety of reasons why a person might seek help for brain optimization. Three common motivators include:
- To increase learning capacity and strengthen memory: Improvements in these areas can boost a person’s performance in school or at work, but the benefits aren’t limited to the academic and professional realms. Brain optimization can also have a positive impact on skills such as creativity, problem solving, organization, focus, and stress management – all of which can contribute to elevated self-esteem, stronger relationships, and better overall quality of life.
- To recover from physical, psychological, and neurological concerns: A person’s ability to acquire, store, and recall information can be hampered by a range of injuries, medical problems, and mental health issues. For example, brain optimization interventions can be valuable components of treatment for people who have been impacted by brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse and addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a host of other complications.
- To address age-related declines in cognitive functioning: As average lifespans have increased across the globe, more people are at risk of experiencing age-related cognitive impairments. Common concerns among older adults include problems with executive functioning, selective attention, working memory, and mental flexibility. Brain optimization services may help to prevent or slow the progression of these and similar challenges.
How is NAD+ Used for Brain Health and Optimization?
As noted earlier in today’s post, using NAD+ for brain health can be a beneficial element of a brain optimization strategy. But what is NAD+ and how can it help people achieve better brain functioning?
What Is NAD+?
First, let’s address the name. NAD refers to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme that is naturally produced by the human body and all other living organisms. People also get NAD through their diet, as it is present in foods such as green vegetables, whole grains, fish, beef, and poultry.
NAD molecules, which are present in every cell, typically exist in one of the following states:
- NAD+ indicates that the molecules are oxidized, which means that they have lost electrons.
- NADH indicates that the molecules are reduced, which means they have gained electrons.
NAD’s ability to transfer electrons from one cell to another makes it an essential component of many cellular reactions, including:
- Metabolism, which is the process of converting nutrients into energy
- DNA repair, which can remedy damage within a person’s genetic code
- Immune cell functioning
- Cellular senescence, which is when cells stop growing and dividing, but remain active
As people age, their NAD+ levels decline. This can have a disruptive impact on many vital functions, including brain activity.
How Does NAD+ Therapy Work?
NAD+ therapy uses intravenous (IV) injections to augment a person’s NAD+ levels. In brain cells, the presence of additional NAD+ has been linked with increased energy production and improved functioning. These effects, in turn, can lead to enhanced cognition and neuroplasticity.
During a typical NAD+ therapy session:
- You will sit or recline in a comfortable chair.
- A trained professional will insert a small needle into your arm, which will allow a solution containing NAD+ to flow into your bloodstream.
- The process usually takes a few hours. During this time, you may read, watch a movie, listen to music, meditate, or engage in another relaxing activity. Some people even fall asleep during their session.
- Except for a small pinch when the needle is inserted, most NAD+ patients experience little to no discomfort during their session.
- For those who do have side effects, the most common include headache, lightheadedness, and slight nausea.
- The number of sessions you complete will depend on your unique needs and the specifics of your customized treatment plan.
The cognitive and psychological impact of NAD+ can include:
- Thinking more clearly
- Better memory
- Elevated mood
- Reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms
- More energy
- Greater motivation
- Delayed progression of some neurological disorders
Contact Conscious Health to Start Your Brain Optimization Today
Conscious Health Center is a trusted source of personalized outpatient treatment for adults who have been living with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
In addition to NAD+ IV therapy, we also offer ketamine therapy, vibroacoustic therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, neurofeedback therapy, electromagnetic brain pulse (EMBP) therapy, and telemedicine.
When you choose our outpatient mental health treatment center in Los Angeles, CA, we will assess your needs, discuss your short- and long-term goals, and select the services that can put you on the path toward a healthier and more satisfying future.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 4/30/2025
