Why intermittent fasting could reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, study says
One study suggests that engaging in intermittent fasting, specifically time-restricted fasting, could reduce the risk of cognitive decline and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers adjusted the mice’s feeding schedule so that they only ate within six-hour periods each day.
Compared to a control group that ate on demand, fasted mice showed improvements in memory, were less hyperactive at night, and had fewer sleep interruptions. Additionally, they were shown to have less buildup of amyloid proteins in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The goal of restricted feeding in this study was to restore the circadian rhythm, which could counteract the disruptions Alzheimer’s patients face related to sleep and schedule-related confusion.
“Our study emphasizes the power of feeding timing to align the circadian clock and its impact on the brain,” said the study’s senior author, Paula Desplats, PhD, professor in the Department of Neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine. , in a statement to Fox. Digital News.
“We were hoping to see some improvements in pathology, but we didn’t expect such profound effects on reducing plaques and inflammation and improving memory,” he continued.
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“The effects of time-restricted feeding on low-amyloid pathology could also be measured in the blood using markers found in the clinic, which was another important finding.”
There are promising results that could help prevent Alzheimer’s
It is important to note that although these findings are promising, the study was conducted in mice and not humans. Furthermore, it is recognized that animal models may not fully represent all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and human aging conditions.
“This may be especially important for older people, as time-restricted eating does not require calorie limitation or dietary changes, but can offer important benefits ranging from metabolic and sleep regulation to potential cognitive improvement.”
However, adopting a new dietary pattern should not replace medical care, as Desplats emphasized the importance of patients discussing options with their doctors.
Other studies mentioned also support the idea that fasting, including intermittent fasting, can have positive effects on brain health, including reducing inflammation and improving cognitive performance. However, it is emphasized that adopting a new dietary pattern should not replace medical care, and the importance of talking to doctors about options is highlighted.
For example, last year, a study led by the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles also found that mice on a fasting diet showed lower levels of “plaques and tangles” in the brain, a reduction of brain inflammation and better performance on cognitive tests.
“Maintaining healthy sleeping and eating habits that are more in sync with the natural environment is vital in a society that is constantly exposed to food, light and shift work,” Desplats said.
