The levels measured there are decreased in numerous neuropathological conditions ranging from brain injury to stroke to Alzheimer's disease.

This fact makes NAA a potential diagnostic molecule for doctors treating patients with brain damage or disease.

[7] High NAA levels in the hippocampus are related to better working memory performance in humans.

[8] Whole-brain levels of NAA have also been found to be positively correlated with educational attainment in adults.

[9] NAA may function as a neurotransmitter in the brain by acting on metabotropic glutamate receptors.