Intermittent Fasting and Brain Health: Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

Despite continuous efforts to combat neurodegenerative diseases, researchers have been unable to find an intervention that reverses degeneration and/or improves cognition in dementia or healthy aging. Therefore, it is considerably important to identify lifestyle factors that could potentially aid in healthy brain aging and prevent or delay neurodegenerative diseases. The emerging interest in the ancient practice of fasting has inclined researchers to study the physiological and behavioral effects of this practice. Fasting is implicated in the promotion of longevity and prevention of obesity, diabetes, cancers, heart diseases, and neurodegeneration. The current review examines the health benefits of intermittent fasting on the brain. Four of the plausible mediational mechanisms by which intermittent fasting could provide benefits are discussed. These include lowering of insulin resistance and improving metabolic regulation, increasing autophagy, reducing neuroinflammation, and increasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Most of the studies examined yielded positive results. Thus, based on the research findings, intermittent fasting seems to be a promising approach for promoting healthy brain aging and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the current understanding is limited, and long-term effects of intermittent fasting should be investigated both clinically and by using animal models.