Cell Reports simulates a fasted diet that reduces dementia symptoms in mice

According to a new study led by the University of Southern California, Leonard Davis College of Geriatrics, simulating fasting diet cycles appears to reduce signs
of Alzheimer's disease in genetically engineered mice.

Researchers, led by Professor Valter Longo, in collaboration with Professor Christian Pike and Professor Pinchas Cohen, found that mice that had undergone several cycles of simulated fasting diets showed less Alzheimer's disease
.

The simulated fasting method (FMD) is high in unsaturated fats and low in overall calories, protein, and carbohydrates, and is designed to mimic the effects of pure water fasting while still providing the necessary nutrients
.

Promising results were achieved in mouse models of Alzheimer's

In addition to healthy mice, the team also looked at two mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, E4FARD and 3xTg
.

In both models, mice undergoing the FMD cycle showed a promising reduction
in β amyloid (the formation of sticky, destructive plaques in the brain) and tau compared to mice eating a standard diet.

On the surface, the cognitive decline in the two Alzheimer's model mice receiving FMD was smaller
than that of the control group mice on the standard diet.

In the two main mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, the FMD cycle appears to effectively reverse a range of pathological markers, but also reverse cognitive deficits
.

Small clinical studies explore the feasibility of the human body

In addition to the study of mice, Longo and his colleagues collected data from a small Phase I clinical trial conducted
in human patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease.

Preliminary data suggest that FMD is safe and feasible
for patients with mild injury or early Alzheimer's disease.

Other early trials of this diet, published by Longo and his colleagues, have also shown other benefits of the monthly rate, such as reducing fat mass without reducing muscle mass and improving cardiometabolic risk factors, especially in
overweight or obese people.

Notably, in a recently published clinical trial co-authored by Longo, the FMD cycle is associated
with disease regression in diabetic patients.

Fasting-mimicking diet cycles reduce neuroinflammation to attenuate cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s models