Recent studies have shown promising results when it comes to the effects of intermittent calorie restriction on brain health in older adults. An exploratory pilot study conducted on 40 overweight, cognitively intact older adults with insulin resistance revealed some interesting findings that suggest intermittent fasting could improve executive function and memory measures.
The study compared two interventions over an 8-week period: a 5:2 intermittent fasting plan and a “healthy living” diet based on portion control and calorie reduction guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The intermittent fasting group followed a plan of 2 days of 480 calories/day (consisting of meal replacement shakes) and 5 days of a healthy living diet. Both interventions showed improvements in executive function and memory, with intermittent fasting showing better results on certain cognitive measures.
The findings of the study, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and published in Cell Metabolism, suggest that intermittent calorie restriction could lower insulin resistance, improve cognitive performance, brain metabolism, and function, as well as normalize Alzheimer’s-associated biomarkers in adults aged 55 to 70. It was observed that both diets decreased BMI and waist circumference, but the results were more favorable with intermittent fasting.
The study provides evidence supporting the notion that eating a healthy diet or following an intermittent fasting regimen can help stave off cognitive decline during aging. This opens the door for larger clinical trials that will explore various dietary interventions to promote good brain health and overall healthy living. Previous research has linked insulin metabolism with Alzheimer’s risk, and animal studies have suggested that insulin plays a role in normal memory function.
Although the study yielded positive results, there are some limitations to consider. The duration of the trial was relatively short, and effects beyond the 8-week timeframe may have been missed. The study had limited power to detect smaller effects over time and between the two interventions. Additionally, cognitive performance improvements observed could be attributed, in part, to practice effects.
The exploratory pilot study on the effects of intermittent calorie restriction on brain health in older adults shows promising results. The study highlights the potential benefits of intermittent fasting in improving executive function, memory, and overall brain health. Further research is needed to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying these effects and to explore the long-term impact of intermittent calorie restriction on cognitive function and brain aging.
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