2023-08-23 13:14:12
Intermittent Fasting Found to Significantly Improve Lives of Those with Alzheimer’s Disease
A new study conducted by researchers in the United States has revealed that intermittent fasting has the potential to “significantly improve” the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine discovered that adopting a time-controlled feeding schedule can mitigate the disrupting effects on the body’s daily rhythm, known as the biological clock, which is a hallmark characteristic of the disease.
The team carried out the study using mice, feeding them over a carefully regulated 6-hour period each day, which is equivalent to a 14-hour fasting window for humans. The results were astounding, with the mice showing improved memory and reduced buildup of amyloids in the brain, which are sticky plaques that can cause cell death.
Paula Desplatz, a professor of neuroscience at the university and the senior author of the study, stated that the findings challenge the long-held belief that disruptions to the internal biological clock are a consequence of neurodegeneration in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, these disruptions may be the cause, making the biological clock a promising target for new therapies. Desplatz further added that the results could potentially pave the way for human clinical trials.
The mice on the time-controlled feeding schedule showcased better cognitive performance and were considered less active during the night compared to the mice that had access to food at all times. These animals also followed a more regular sleep schedule and experienced fewer sleep disturbances, indicating the positive effects of intermittent fasting on overall brain health.
The researchers hope that the findings of this study can be easily replicated in a clinical trial, as the intervention focuses on lifestyle changes rather than medication. Desplatz emphasized the simplicity of incorporating time-restricted feeding into daily life, stating that “If we can show these results in humans, this approach could be a simple way to dramatically improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them.”
Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline, affects millions of people worldwide. With no cure currently available, these findings offer a glimmer of hope for individuals living with the disease and their families. Further research and clinical trials will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of intermittent fasting as a therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer’s disease.]
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