In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that time-restricted feeding can correct the circadian disruptions observed in Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, which was conducted on mice, showed improvements in memory and a decrease in amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.
This could potentially revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 6 million Americans and is considered a massive forthcoming health challenge in the United States.
Rethinking Alzheimer’s Treatments
Traditionally, circadian disruptions in Alzheimer’s patients were considered a result of the disease’s progression. However, the study suggests that these disruptions might be driving Alzheimer’s pathology.
“We used to think of circadian disruptions as a symptom, but our study shows it could be a root cause, making it an excellent target for new Alzheimer’s treatments,” said senior study author Paula Desplats, Ph.D.
Time-Restricted Feeding: A Simple Yet Effective Approach
The researchers experimented with a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, feeding the mice within a time-restricted six-hour window each day.
The results were promising: the mice exhibited better memory, less hyperactivity at night, and a more regular sleep schedule.
They also had fewer amyloid deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. “The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. It’s a lifestyle change, not a drug,” Desplats emphasized.
Implications for Human Clinical Trials
Given the study’s success in mice, the researchers are optimistic about its translation to human clinical trials.
“This method could offer a straightforward way to improve the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.
Circadian disruptions are the leading cause of nursing home placement for Alzheimer’s patients,” added Desplats.
A Beacon of Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers
“This could be a game-changer in how we manage Alzheimer’s disease,” said Desplats.
“The impact of restoring the circadian rhythm in Alzheimer’s patients would be enormous, not only for patients but also for caregivers and the healthcare system.”
The researchers are excited to test this approach in human clinical trials, emphasizing that it could be a strategy people can easily integrate into their lives.
The study also raises questions about the role of lifestyle interventions in treating Alzheimer’s, offering a new avenue for future research.
Co-authors of the study include Daniel S. Whittaker, Laila Akhmetova, Daniel Carlin, Haylie Romero, and David K. Welsh, all at UC San Diego, and Christopher S. Colwell at UCLA. The study was published in Cell Metabolism on August 21, 2023.
If you care about Alzheimer’s, please read studies about Vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and results showing flavonoid-rich foods could improve survival in Parkinson’s disease.
The study was published in Cell Metabolism.
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