Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects a growing number of adults over the age of 65 in the US. With no known cure currently available, researchers are constantly searching for new ways to tackle the disorder. A recent study conducted by scientists from the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has shed light on a potential avenue for treatment. By reconfiguring the circadian clocks of mice in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease through intermittent fasting, the researchers observed improvements in memory function and a reduction in the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the brain.
One of the ways in which Alzheimer’s disease interferes with the body’s biological processes is through circadian clock disruption. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often experience changes to their sleep/wake cycle, increased cognitive impairment and confusion in the evenings, and difficulties falling and staying asleep. Traditional treatments for Alzheimer’s do not target this aspect of the disease, but the researchers believe that addressing circadian disruptions could be a promising approach.
In the study, mice were placed on a time-restricted feeding schedule, only allowed to eat during a six-hour window each day. This type of intermittent fasting is equivalent to fasting for 14 hours in a 24-hour cycle for humans. The fasting mice showed noticeable improvements in memory function and a decrease in the accumulation of amyloid proteins in the brain, which are closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the mice following the feeding schedule exhibited a more regular sleeping pattern, reduced nocturnal hyperactivity, and fewer sleep disruptions compared to mice with unrestricted access to food.
Notably, the effects of intermittent fasting were observed at the molecular level as well. Several genes related to disease and inflammation in the brain showed differences in their expression patterns in the Alzheimer’s mice on the fasting schedule. This suggests that intermittent fasting may have broader benefits beyond simply addressing circadian disruptions.
One of the advantages of intermittent fasting as a treatment option for Alzheimer’s is its relative ease and accessibility. Adopting a fasting regime is something that people can do relatively easily and relatively quickly. If human trials yield similar results, intermittent fasting could offer a promising option for combatting the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Circadian disruptions in Alzheimer’s are a leading cause of nursing home placement, highlighting the significant impact on patients’ quality of life. By offering a means to restore circadian rhythms, intermittent fasting could not only change how Alzheimer’s is managed in clinical settings but also provide caregivers with a valuable tool to support patients’ disease management at home.
While there is still much research to be done, the findings from this study suggest that intermittent fasting may hold promise in addressing the circadian disruptions associated with Alzheimer’s disease. By improving memory function, reducing the accumulation of harmful amyloid proteins, and regulating sleep patterns, intermittent fasting could potentially become a viable treatment option for individuals with Alzheimer’s. As researchers continue to explore new avenues for combating this debilitating form of dementia, intermittent fasting offers hope for a brighter future.
Leave a Reply