# PQQ Sharpened Memory in Old Mice by Rebooting Brain Cell Batteries

_Evidence Level: Preliminary · Yan Y et al., Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), DOI 10.3390/antiox15080921_

*Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Improves Cognitive-Related Behavioral Performance Associated with Enhanced Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Naturally Aged Mice.*

- **Evidence Level**: Preliminary
- **Why this grade**: Supplementation study in 20-month-old aged mice plus hippocampal cell cultures, with no human data yet.
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
- **Sample Size**: 20-month-old aged mice plus hippocampal cell cultures
- **Authors**: Yan Y, Deng D, Tan C, Lu Q, Sun J, Wu S, Jiang Z, Li Y, Lu T
- **Graded and published**: 2026-07-24
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-17
- **Topics**: PQQ, Cognition, Mitochondria
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15080921
- **Free full text**: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13509254/
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42650185/

## Summary

PQQ is a supplement often sold for mitochondrial support, and this study gives that claim some backing. Old mice given PQQ did better on memory tests and kept their hippocampal neurons in better shape. In lab-grown brain cells, PQQ cut oxidative stress and boosted the cells' energy output. The effect seemed to run through SIRT1, a protein tied to longevity pathways. This was mice and cells, not people.

## Practical Takeaway

This early animal work suggests PQQ may support brain energy metabolism, but human data is still missing.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/pqq-sharpened-memory-in-old-mice-by-rebooting-brain-cell-batteries · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-17_