Authors: Nikita Francis
Published: 2020-12-07
DOI: 10.1002/alz.043930
Source: Full article
AbstractBackgroundDespite the continuous efforts to combat dementias, researchers still have not found a pharmaceutical intervention that reliably reverses degeneration or improves cognitive functions. Therefore, lifestyle factors that could potentially aid in healthy brain aging and prevent or delay neurodegenerative diseases are of considerable interest. In particular, the ancient practice of fasting has been the subject of study for potential beneficial effects on longevity, obesity and diabetes, cancers, heart diseases as well as for neurodegenerative diseases. This review examines the health benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) in regard to brain health.MethodA search employing relevant search terms was conducted in PubMed and Google scholar to produce a comprehensive accounting of the pertinent literature.ResultThe current review specifically focused on the role of IF in neuroinflammation, insulin resistance and autophagy, as they apply to brain health. Studies showed positive effects of IF in reducing neuroinflammation, decreasing insulin resistance and increasing autophagy. Much of the research on the above‐mentioned benefits utilized an alternate day fasting regimen. The current literature indicates that these benefits are more associated with the metabolic switch that occurs during the fasting state than restriction of calories alone. As glucose levels deplete during a fast, insulin levels stay low and ketone bodies are released for cellular fuel. The release of ketone bodies is associated with activating anti‐inflammatory mechanisms as well as activating cellular pathways that induce autophagy.ConclusionIF appears to be promising for its potential to protect the brain from the effects of aging and disease. Nevertheless, the mechanisms for these benefits are poorly understood. Additionally, the potential benefits of IF combined with other positive lifestyle factors such as exercise should also be further investigated. Moreover, the effects of long‐term IF and the differences in different IF regiments need to be assessed in animal models as well as clinically.