Targeting Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease: The Emerging Role of Intermittent Fasting and Caloric Restriction
Autophagy in AD: Fasting and Caloric Restriction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17013828%20Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, autophagy, caloric restriction, diet, intermittent fasting, neurodegenerative diseases, nutritionAbstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906, is the most prevalent cause of dementia and a significant public health concern. As global life expectancy increases, so does the burden of AD, with no definitive cure currently available. Existing pharmacological treatments are limited by high costs and adverse side effects, highlighting the urgent need for natural, accessible, and sustainable prevention and management strategies. Among these, conscious dietary patterns are gaining prominence. Recent research suggests that dietary models that induce autophagy, such as intermittent fasting and caloric restriction, may mitigate neurodegeneration by preventing the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and the formation of neurofibrillary tau plaques in the brain. Given the rising prevalence and chronic course of AD, family physicians and public health authorities must prioritize comprehensive patient care that extends beyond pharmacological interventions to include diet and lifestyle. This review aims to consolidate current literature on dietary strategies that support autophagy, specifically intermittent fasting and caloric restriction, to inform the management of patients with or at risk for AD. By emphasizing the role of these nutritional interventions, this review seeks to provide a framework for a more sustainable and effective approach to disease prevention and progression.
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