Researchers studied how eating every other day affects the brain in mice genetically designed to develop Alzheimer’s disease. They found that mice on a regular eating schedule lost important brain cells called parvalbumin interneurons, which help control brain activity. However, mice that ate every other day kept these protective brain cells and showed increased levels of a brain-supporting protein called BDNF. While this is promising early research in animals, scientists note that the benefits weren’t complete, and more studies are needed to understand if this eating pattern could help people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating every other day (instead of eating normally every day) could protect special brain cells that are damaged in Alzheimer’s disease
  • Who participated: Female mice that were genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’s disease, plus normal mice without the disease. The mice were studied starting before symptoms appeared and checked at 6 months old
  • Key finding: Mice that ate every other day kept their protective brain cells and had higher levels of a brain-supporting protein, while mice that ate normally lost these cells. This suggests the eating pattern may help protect the brain in early Alzheimer’s disease
  • What it means for you: This animal research suggests that eating every other day might help protect the brain during early Alzheimer’s disease, but this is very early-stage research. Much more testing in humans is needed before anyone should change their eating habits based on this finding. Talk to your doctor before trying any new eating pattern

The Research Details

Scientists used mice that were genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, similar to how the disease develops in humans. They divided the mice into two groups: one group ate normally whenever they wanted (called ad libitum feeding), and the other group ate every other day (called every-other-day or EOD feeding). Both groups were studied from before symptoms appeared until the mice were 6 months old. The researchers then examined the mice’s brains using special staining techniques to count specific brain cells and measure protein levels.

The study focused on parvalbumin interneurons, which are special brain cells that help control electrical activity in the brain. These cells are known to be damaged early in Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers measured several proteins in the brain, including BDNF (a protein that helps brain cells survive and connect to each other) and its receptor TrkB, which receives signals from BDNF.

This type of study is important because it allows researchers to test ideas in a controlled way before trying them in humans. The mice have the same genetic changes that cause Alzheimer’s in people, so what happens in their brains can give clues about what might happen in human brains.

Understanding how eating patterns affect the brain is important because Alzheimer’s disease damages brain cells long before people notice memory problems. If a simple change like eating every other day could protect these cells early on, it might help prevent or slow down the disease. This research also helps scientists understand which brain cells are most affected and why, which could lead to better treatments

This is animal research published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other scientists reviewed it before publication. The researchers used established methods to measure brain cells and proteins. However, because this is animal research, the results may not directly apply to humans. The study was relatively small and focused only on female mice, so results might be different in males or in people. The researchers themselves noted that the benefits of every-other-day eating were not complete, and some brain problems remained even with this eating pattern

What the Results Show

Mice with Alzheimer’s disease that ate normally lost significant numbers of parvalbumin interneurons (the protective brain cells) in three areas of the brain: the retrosplenial granular cortex, parietal cortex, and somatosensory cortex. These losses were compared to normal mice without the disease, which kept all their brain cells.

In contrast, mice with Alzheimer’s disease that ate every other day kept their parvalbumin interneurons at much higher levels, similar to normal mice. This suggests that the every-other-day eating pattern protected these important brain cells from being lost.

The researchers also found that mice eating every other day had higher levels of TrkB, which is a receptor that receives protective signals from BDNF (a protein that helps brain cells survive). This suggests that the eating pattern may have turned on the brain’s natural protection systems.

However, the benefits were not complete. Even mice eating every other day still showed problems with other brain proteins involved in learning and memory, suggesting that this eating pattern helps but doesn’t solve all the brain problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found that mice with Alzheimer’s disease eating normally had lower levels of BDNF, the brain-supporting protein. Mice eating every other day had better BDNF signaling through the TrkB receptor. However, other important proteins for learning and memory (phosphorylated CaMKII and CBP) remained low even in the every-other-day eating group. Blood tests also showed signs of metabolic stress (changes in how the body processes energy) in the every-other-day eating mice, suggesting that this eating pattern creates some stress on the body even while protecting the brain

Previous research has shown that parvalbumin interneurons are particularly vulnerable in Alzheimer’s disease and that their loss contributes to memory and thinking problems. This study confirms that finding in their mouse model. The idea that eating patterns might protect the brain is relatively new, but other research has suggested that fasting or reduced eating might have protective effects on the brain. This study adds to that body of research by showing a specific mechanism: the eating pattern may protect brain cells by activating BDNF signaling

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so the results may not directly apply to people. The study only looked at female mice, so results might be different in males. The researchers only studied mice at one time point (6 months old), so they don’t know if the benefits continue longer or if problems develop later. The study didn’t measure whether the mice actually had better memory or thinking ability, only whether brain cells were preserved. The every-other-day eating pattern caused some metabolic stress, which could be a problem for people with certain health conditions. Finally, the benefits were incomplete—some brain problems remained even with the eating pattern

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, there is not yet enough evidence to recommend every-other-day eating as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This is early-stage research that needs to be tested in people before any recommendations can be made. If you are interested in dietary approaches for brain health, talk to your doctor about evidence-based options like the Mediterranean diet, which has stronger human research support. Do not change your eating pattern based on this single animal study without consulting your healthcare provider

This research is most relevant to scientists studying Alzheimer’s disease and to people interested in understanding how diet might affect brain health. People with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease might find this interesting, but should not make changes based on this research alone. People with certain health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders) should definitely talk to their doctor before trying any new eating pattern. This research is not yet ready for general public use as a treatment

This is animal research, so there is no timeline for human benefits. If this approach were to be tested in humans, it would likely take many years of research before any effects on Alzheimer’s disease could be measured. Brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease happen slowly, so any benefits would probably take months or years to become apparent

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user wants to explore eating patterns under medical supervision, they could track: (1) eating schedule (days eaten vs. fasted), (2) cognitive function using simple memory tests or brain health apps, (3) energy levels and mood, and (4) any side effects or health changes. This would help them and their doctor understand how the eating pattern affects them personally
  • Users interested in brain health could use the app to: (1) track a regular eating schedule to establish a baseline, (2) log any dietary changes they make with their doctor’s approval, (3) monitor cognitive symptoms like memory or focus, (4) track energy levels and overall wellbeing, and (5) record any health changes to discuss with their healthcare provider
  • Long-term tracking should include: weekly logs of eating patterns and energy levels, monthly cognitive self-assessments (memory, focus, clarity), quarterly check-ins with healthcare providers to discuss any changes, and ongoing monitoring of overall health markers. Users should not rely solely on app tracking—regular medical check-ups are essential for anyone concerned about brain health or Alzheimer’s disease risk

This research was conducted in mice with genetically engineered Alzheimer’s disease, not in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as a basis for changing your diet or treating any medical condition. Alzheimer’s disease is a serious medical condition that requires professional medical care. Before making any changes to your eating pattern, especially if you have health conditions, take medications, or are concerned about Alzheimer’s disease risk, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat any condition.