A Potential Ally in Alzheimer's Prevention

Can Fasting Help Prevent Alzheimer’s? The Science Behind the Brain Boost

A little peak into how fasting is an area of interest in prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. This blog focusses on Alzheimer’s but research suggests it may play a crucial role in protecting against many neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s however is the most common form of dementia and consistently one of the leading cause of death for both men and women globally.  While the idea of skipping meals might seem counterintuitive for brain health, science is beginning to unveil how fasting might help preserve memory and cognitive function as we age.

How Does Fasting Impact the Brain?

Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting (IF), involves cycles of eating and fasting, which triggers beneficial processes in the brain. One key mechanism is autophagy, a process where the body cleans out damaged cells, including those that could lead to Alzheimer’s, such as beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s and disrupt brain function over time.

Additionally, fasting promotes the production of ketones, which the brain uses for energy instead of glucose. Ketones are a more efficient energy source and help maintain brain function. Fasting also stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth of new brain cells and protects existing ones from damage, further enhancing brain resilience.

The Link Between Fasting and Alzheimer’s Protection

Alzheimer’s is characterized by the gradual breakdown of brain cells, often due to a combination of inflammation, damaged proteins, and reduced ability to clear toxins. Fasting, through autophagy and ketone production, can help clear toxic proteins and reduce inflammation in the brain, potentially slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s progression.

Studies have shown that intermittent fasting may help reduce beta-amyloid plaques and improve cognitive function. Research from Cell Metabolism found that intermittent fasting promoted the clearance of plaques in animal models, enhancing memory. 1 Furthermore, fasting may improve cognitive function and play a positive role in all sorts of neurological disorders, potentially offering a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases.2

Conclusion: A Promising and Exciting Strategy

While fasting is not a magic bullet for Alzheimer’s, the early research is promising. A review in Nutrition Reviews in 2023 concluded “These observations lead to a hypothesis that intermittent fasting over the years will potentially reverse or delay the pathological process in Alzheimer’s disease”.3

It’s a potential tool to help preserve brain health by promoting autophagy, reducing inflammation, and supporting the growth of new brain cells. However, more studies, particularly human trials, are needed to fully understand how fasting impacts Alzheimer’s prevention. Incorporating fasting as part of a healthy lifestyle—along with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation—may provide an additional layer of protection for your brain as you age.

1.           Nasaruddin, M. L., Syed Abd Halim, S. A. & Kamaruzzaman, M. A. Studying the Relationship of Intermittent Fasting and β-Amyloid in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 12, 3215 (2020).

2.           Gudden, J., Arias Vasquez, A. & Bloemendaal, M. The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function. Nutrients 13, 3166 (2021).

3.           Elias, A., Padinjakara, N. & Lautenschlager, N. T. Effects of intermittent fasting on cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease. Nutr Rev 81, 1225 (2023).