In a recent exploratory pilot study, it was found that intermittent calorie restriction may have a positive impact on executive function and memory in cognitively intact older adults. The study, conducted over an 8-week period, included 40 overweight older adults with insulin resistance who were randomly assigned to either a 5:2 intermittent fasting plan or a “healthy living” diet based on portion control and calorie reduction guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The findings of this study, led by Dr. Dimitrios Kapogiannis from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and published in Cell Metabolism.
The study aimed to investigate whether intermittent calorie restriction could lead to improvements in cognitive performance, brain metabolism, and function, as well as normalize Alzheimer’s-associated biomarkers in adults aged 55 to 70. Both intervention groups showed improvements in executive function and memory, with the intermittent fasting group demonstrating better results on certain cognitive measures. The study participants in the intermittent fasting group had 2 days of food intake restricted to 480 calories/day (using meal replacement shakes) and followed a healthy living diet for the remaining 5 days. On the other hand, the healthy living diet group followed portion control and calorie reduction guidelines throughout the 8-week period.
The results of the study indicated that both diets led to a decrease in BMI and waist circumference, but the intermittent fasting group showed better outcomes. This group also exhibited markers suggestive of increased ketogenesis and high compliance, while the healthy living diet group did not show the same results. Brain glucose levels were reduced with both diets, with a more significant decrease observed in the intermittent fasting group. Additionally, the BrainAGE measure, an MRI-based indicator of brain aging, decreased in both groups.
The study findings suggest that intermittent calorie restriction could potentially play a role in improving brain health in older adults. The results lay the groundwork for further research involving larger clinical trials to explore the effects of various dietary interventions on cognitive function and overall brain health. While the study had limitations, such as a small sample size and a short trial duration, the findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of intermittent fasting on cognitive performance and brain metabolism.
The study on intermittent calorie restriction and its effects on brain health in older adults sheds light on the importance of dietary interventions in maintaining cognitive function as individuals age. Further research in this area is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to develop tailored dietary recommendations for promoting brain health in the aging population.
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