In recent years there have been several studies that have indicated the benefits of intermittent fasting, or “IF,” for improving health and possibly extending longevity. Now, a new study seems to suggest that IF can help to stave off or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s dementia.
According to the study, “Short cycles of a low-calorie diet that replicates fasting appeared to reduce inflammation and delay cognitive decline in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease….”
The study appeared in Cell Reports on Sept. 27. 2022.
Key Takeaways From This Study:
- Intermittent fasting appears to reduce signs of Alzheimer’s in mice genetically engineered to develop the illness.
- Brain inflammation was reduced, and better performance on cognitive tests was seen in the fasting mice when compared to the mice that were fed a standard diet.
- Initial data indicates that the IF is safe and feasible for patients with mild impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease. Further tests in the ongoing clinical trial will measure cognitive performance.
- Earlier research by this same team and others has indicated that intermittent fasting has been associated with a range of beneficial effects, including the promotion of stem cell regeneration, lessening of chemotherapy side effects, and lowering risk factors for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other age-related diseases in mice and humans.
You can read the complete study by clicking on this link.