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NMN Blend Shows Memory Score Shifts in 40 Adults Over 42 Days

A 42-day study of 40 adults found descriptive memory and biological-age shifts with an eight-ingredient NMN formula, not yet statistically confirmed.

By PJ Howland · November 5, 2026 · 1 source · Watch

An eight-ingredient formula built around NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide, which the body converts into NAD+, a molecule cells need for energy) was linked to favorable shifts in memory scores and a functional-age measure over 42 days, in a study published in October 2026 in Nutrients.

42-daystudy

40adults, 4 groups

The open-label study followed 40 Japanese adults aged 45 to 65 for 42 days, split into four groups: placebo (10 people), NMN alone (9 people), a core combination formula (10 people), and an expanded eight-component formula (11 people). Researchers ran cardiopulmonary exercise testing and computerized cognitive assessments (CogniTrax, a computer-based memory and attention test) at the start and at week six.

The main cardiopulmonary and cognitive comparisons between groups did not reach statistical significance, but several cognitive measures showed favorable descriptive changes in the expanded-formula group versus placebo: the Neurocognitive Index moved +3.09 versus -1.90, composite memory +5.82 versus -5.30, and verbal memory +9.00 versus -2.50. A functional-age composite dropped 2.79 years in the expanded-formula group versus 0.63 years in placebo. In a separate eight-person pilot with no comparison group, a biological-age marker called DNAm PhenoAge decreased by about 4.1 years, alongside gene-activity changes the authors call nominal. The study reported high adherence and no serious adverse events.

NMN is a building block the body converts into NAD+, which every cell needs to generate energy and repair DNA; NAD+ is known to decline with age. The authors state their exploratory biomarker, functional-age and biological-age findings do not establish clinical benefit or that aging was reversed.

Verbal Memory Score Change Over 42 Days

Nutrients, 2026, Abe et al.

This was an open-label study with no blinding, and the primary cardiopulmonary and cognitive outcomes were not statistically significant. The favorable numbers come from small active groups of 9 to 11 people each, so larger randomized, placebo-controlled trials with outcomes set in advance are the next step.

Dr. Axe’s Take

A 42-day study with 9 to 11 people in each active group, no blinding and no statistically significant result on the main heart-lung or memory tests calls for patience. The memory and functional-age numbers moved the right way, but small open-label groups often do. NAD+ support doesn't require a lab-formulated blend. Foods with NAD+ precursors, like milk, fish, mushrooms and edamame, feed the same pathways. This week, I'd add a short daily walk or strength session and protect sleep, two habits tied to how your cells make NAD+.

— Dr. Axe

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Study summary

Who: 40 Japanese adults, ages 45-65: placebo (10), NMN alone (9), core combination (10), expanded 8-ingredient formula (11)
Design: 42-day, open-label, four-arm exploratory study with cardiopulmonary and cognitive testing at baseline and week 6
Dose: Not reported (formulation described as NMN alone, a core combination, or an expanded eight-component blend)
Primary result: No statistically significant between-group differences in cardiopulmonary or cognitive outcomes; expanded-formula group verbal memory +9.00 vs -2.50 for placebo
Secondary: Mental-sharpness score moved +3.09 vs -1.90 for placebo; memory test composite +5.82 vs -5.30; functional-age composite down 2.79 years vs 0.63 years for placebo; separate 8-person pilot DNAm PhenoAge down about 4.1 years
Funding / conflicts: Funders listed in the journal record: Abe Yoando Pharma Co., Ltd.; SOUKEN Co., Ltd.. Conflicts not reported in the abstract.
Date: Oct 23, 2026