Caution Urged Regarding Newly Published Research on Caloric Intake and Brain Disorders

Alzheimer's Association
Monday, 4 January 1999

New research results showing that reducing caloric intake in rats promotes increased resistance to brain cell damage is interesting but must be viewed with appropriate caution, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"It is premature to draw any conclusions about the relationship between caloric restriction and brain health in humans, particularly with regard to Alzheimer's disease. These new research results in rat brains cannot be generalized to people," said Bill Thies, Ph.D., vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Association.

"In addition, caution must be emphasized that these test results do not become misstated or overblown because caloric restrictions can cause a variety of problems, especially in older people — those most at risk for Alzheimer's disease," Thies said.

The study, "Food Restriction Reduces Brain Damage and Improves Behavioral Outcome Following Excitotoxic and Metabolic Insults," by Mark Mattson, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Kentucky, appears in the January 1999 issue of Annals of Neurology.

The researchers studied two groups of rats, one of which was fed only every other day. The scientists injected two different toxins into the rats' brains to replicate the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's and Parkinson's. In the rats whose diets were restricted, the damage was much less severe.

According to Zaven Khachaturian, Ph.D., a consultant and senior science advisor to the Association, "Prior research in this area has demonstrated a positive impact on the longevity of animals, and in reducing tumors. This study appears to show positive effects of caloric restriction on the brain by reducing the amount of free radicals produced, which are known to damage nerve cells. One of the theories about Alzheimer's disease involves the role of free radicals in causing nerve damage. This new study may lead us further along the path to better treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease using anti-oxidants, which aid in the breakdown of free radicals," Khachaturian said.

An estimated 4 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease. Without a medical breakthrough before the baby boomers reach the age of highest risk, 14 million could be afflicted by the year 2050. The Association is calling on Congress to raise federal appropriations for Alzheimer's disease research to $500 million.

In July 2000, the Association will present the World Alzheimer Congress 2000 to significantly further information sharing about the state-of-the-art in Alzheimer's disease research and caregiving. The World Alzheimer Congress 2000 includes the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, the annual meeting of Alzheimer's Disease International and the National Alzheimer's Disease Education Conference. It will be held July 9-18, 2000 at the Washington Hilton and Towers, Washington, DC.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org