A recent study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has found a significant link between intermittent fasting and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers discovered that time-restricted feeding, a subset of intermittent fasting, may slow or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s affects over six million Americans, often causing disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm. These disruptions can lead to severe cognitive impairment, persistent sleep issues, and increased nighttime hyperactivity. However, new research suggests that these symptoms may play a more active role in the disease’s progression than previously thought.
The study found that mice models mimicking Alzheimer’s disease exhibited improved memory, reduced nighttime activity, and consistent sleep patterns when restricted to eat within a six-hour window. These results were compared to mice with unrestricted access to food, showing enhanced cognitive function.
Furthermore, the researchers discovered molecular-level improvements in the TRF mice, including differential expression of genes related to Alzheimer’s and neuroinflammation. Most notably, TRF reduced the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The approach is simple: changing eating habits can have significant benefits for people with Alzheimer’s. Dr. Paula Desplats, senior author of the study, emphasized that understanding the role of circadian disruptions in Alzheimer’s could lead to groundbreaking shifts in treatment strategies.
If these results are replicated in human clinical trials, this approach could revolutionize how we treat Alzheimer’s. With its simplicity and potential for dramatic improvement in patients’ lives, time-restricted feeding may hold the key to a new paradigm in Alzheimer’s care.
Source: https://www.thebrighterside.news/health/scientists-find-major-link-between-intermittent-fasting-and-alzheimers