A groundbreaking study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has revealed that a simple change in eating habits—limiting meals to a specific time window each day—could help slow down or even reverse some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
While the research was conducted on mice, the results are so promising that scientists believe it could lead to a new, non-drug treatment for the millions affected by this condition.
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 6 million Americans, causing memory loss, confusion, sleep issues, and other serious problems. Until now, many of these symptoms, especially disrupted sleep patterns and irregular daily routines, were believed to be just side effects of the disease.
But this new study suggests something surprising: the disruption of the body’s natural 24-hour rhythm—known as the circadian rhythm—might not just be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, but one of its causes.
Dr. Paula Desplats, senior author of the study, explained, “We used to think circadian disruptions happened because of Alzheimer’s. But our study shows they might actually be helping cause the disease. That’s a big shift in how we understand the condition—and how we might treat it.”
The researchers used a group of mice that were genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. They put these mice on a time-restricted feeding schedule, meaning they could only eat during a specific six-hour window each day.
The results were striking. These mice had better memory, fewer behavioral problems, improved sleep, and less build-up of amyloid proteins—a substance that clogs the brain and is strongly linked to Alzheimer’s.
Most importantly, this approach didn’t involve drugs. “The beauty of this method is its simplicity,” said Dr. Desplats. “It’s a lifestyle change. Anyone can try it, and it doesn’t require medication.”
This is good news for patients and caregivers. One of the hardest parts of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is dealing with disrupted sleep and wandering at night—problems that often lead families to seek full-time care in nursing homes. Since circadian rhythm issues are a leading reason for this, a safe and practical way to improve sleep and behavior could make a huge difference.
The research team, including scientists from both UC San Diego and UCLA, now hopes to bring this idea into human clinical trials. If it proves effective in people, it could provide a powerful, low-cost, and accessible treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease—one that might delay symptoms or make them more manageable without side effects.
Published in Cell Metabolism on August 21, 2023, the study opens a new door in Alzheimer’s research. It also adds to a growing body of evidence showing how lifestyle changes—like diet, sleep, and exercise—can play a major role in brain health. For now, the message is clear: when it comes to protecting your brain, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat.
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.
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