Scientists find popular dieting fad may help reduce dementia symptoms
A recent study suggests that when you eat could be just as important as what you eat in preventing or slowing Alzheimer's disease.
The research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, found that intermittent fasting could reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.
So far, the practice has worked on laboratory mice. Scientists adjusted the feeding schedule of mice to only allow them to eat within six-hour windows each day.
Compared to mice that ate whenever they wanted, the fasting mice showed improved memory and were less hyperactive. They also had fewer sleep disruptions and less buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, a common sign of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists suggest that extending blocks of time between meals helps reduce Alzheimer's symptoms (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The researchers believe that restricted eating can help restore the body's natural rhythm. This could counteract the sleep and schedule-related confusion often experienced by Alzheimer's patients.
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Senior study author Paula Desplats, PhD, spoke about the findings.
"Our study emphasizes the power of feeding timing in aligning the circadian clock and its impact on the brain," she said. "We were hopeful to see some improvements in pathology, but did not expect such profound effects in reducing plaques and inflammation and improving memory," she added.
While so far, the research applies to mice, scientists are hoping that a human trial can begin next year (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)"The effects of time-restricted feeding on lower amyloid pathology were also measurable in blood using markers found in the clinic, which was another important finding."
The scientists are hopeful that these findings will lead to human trials. They aim to secure funding to start a pilot study of patients next year. "Accessible interventions like this have great translational potential, as they are available and are usually very well-tolerated," said Desplats.
"This may have special importance for the elderly, as time-restricted eating does not require limitation in calories or change in the diet, but may offer important benefits ranging from metabolic and sleep regulation to potential cognitive improvement."
However, adopting a new dietary pattern should not replace medical care. Desplats emphasized the importance of patients discussing options and treatments with clinicians.
Brain function can improve when you try intermittent fasting, say researchers (Getty Images/Image Source)One major limitation of the study is that it uses animal models that only represent certain aspects of disease and "do not present comorbidities or other clinical diseases associated with aging, which are very common in Alzheimer's patients," Desplats noted.
"Furthermore, the study was done under strictly controlled conditions that did not resemble the variety of people's habits and environments," she added.
The researchers hope that the public recognizes the importance of the circadian clock in regulating many aspects of health, as multiple studies have previously been done that show the connection between sleep and Alzheimer's.
"Sustaining healthy sleep and eating habits that are more synchronized with the natural environment are vital in a society that is constantly exposed to food, light and shift work," said Desplats. Previous studies have supported this association between fasting and reduced Alzheimer's risk.
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