Table 1.

Putative mechanisms of benefits of intermittent fasting in Alzheimer’s disease

Pathological factors in Alzheimer’s disease	Findings
β-Amyloid and tau deposition	Increase in ketone bodies as a result of fasting may reduce β-amyloid level. Caloric restriction reduced both β-amyloid level and tau. Fasting may not reduce the amyloid level in cases of Alzheimer's disease with a strong genetic load.
Cerebrovascular diseases	Enhanced vascular integrity after fasting Diminished impact of stroke Potentially synergetic effects of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health
Inflammation	Inflammation may play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease. Intermittent fasting is associated with reduced levels of inflammation.