Unlock the Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Ageing Brain

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the National Institutes of Healths National Institute on Aging have discovered intriguing results about the impact of Intermittent fasting and a Healthy diet on the ageing brain . Their study , published in Cell Metabolism , showed that both diets led to improvements in cognition , with intermittent fasting proving to be slightly more beneficial.

As the population ages , the prevalence of conditions like dementia is expected to increase , posing challenges for individuals , families , and healthcare systems . Cognitive decline not only affects quality of life but also results in increased disability and loss of independence , highlighting the need for effective preventive measures.

Insulin resistance plays a significant role in brain ageing and the development of Alzheimer 's disease . Interventions that enhance insulin sensitivity have the potential to slow cognitive decline and promote brain health in older adults , especially those with obesity and insulin resistance.

stated study author Dimitrios Kapogiannis . The study involved 40 older adults with obesity and insulin resistance , who were randomly assigned to either the intermittent fasting diet or the healthy living diet.

Participants in the intermittent fasting group followed a regimen of restricting calorie intake for two days each week , while those in the healthy living group followed a balanced diet every day . Both groups showed improvements in insulin resistance and cognitive function , with the intermittent fasting group displaying more significant enhancements.

The study revealed that both diets helped slow down brain ageing , particularly in regions critical for executive function . While both diets had positive effects on overall health and brain function , intermittent fasting showed stronger effects in reversing insulin resistance and improving brain metabolism.

Kapogiannis explained , emphasizing the need for individualized dietary choices . Although the study did not find immediate changes in Alzheimer's - related biomarkers , the long - term effects of the diets remain uncertain.

The findings highlight the potential benefits of dietary interventions on brain health in older adults and set a standard for future research in this area . By incorporating various measures to assess cognitive function and insulin resistance , the study provides valuable insights into the impact of diets on brain health.

Overall , the study underscores the importance of diet in promoting brain health and calls for further research to explore the long - term effects of different dietary interventions on cognitive function in ageing individuals.