Intermittent fasting and exercise to protect the brain in Alzheimer's
Effect of dietary restriction and exercise on behavioral outcomes and brain pathology in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease
Testing whether intermittent fasting, alone or combined with exercise, protects memory and brain cells linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099733 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's disease (TgF344-AD) to see how intermittent fasting (IF), exercise, or both affect memory, coordination, and strength. Researchers will measure behavioral outcomes and examine brain and skeletal muscle tissues for Alzheimer-type changes such as amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles. The team will compare IF alone, exercise alone, and the combined approach to identify protective pathways in the brain. Findings aim to reveal biological mechanisms that could guide future treatments or lifestyle recommendations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for Alzheimer's or with early-stage disease could be the kinds of patients considered for future human trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's, those who cannot safely fast or exercise, or those with medical conditions that make fasting/exercise unsafe may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to lifestyle strategies or biological targets that help protect memory and brain cells in people at risk for or with early Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and some human studies have linked dietary restriction and exercise to better memory and reduced amyloid and tau, but combining intermittent fasting and exercise in this specific rat model is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Manhattan, United States
- Kansas State University — Manhattan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Stephanie E — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Hall, Stephanie E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.