Effects of Fasting on Neurodegenerative Biomarkers in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Engeland Christopher, Tennyson Robert, Wright Molly, Knight Erik, Buxton Orfeu, Graham-Engeland Jennifer
Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Hypothesis
How does fasting status affect blood-based levels of neurodegenerative biomarkers in older adults?
Conclusion
Eating can significantly affect the levels of certain neurodegenerative biomarkers in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Eating decreased GFAP levels.
- Eating decreased pTau217 levels.
- Eating showed weak evidence of decreasing NfL levels.
- No changes were found in Aβ42/40 ratio and pTau181.
Takeaway
When older people eat, it can change the levels of some brain health markers in their blood, so it's important to fast before testing.
Methodology
Older adults fasted for over 8 hours before two lab visits where blood was drawn multiple times to measure biomarker levels.
Limitations
Further research is needed for some biomarkers that showed weak evidence of change.
Participant Demographics
Older adults with an average age of 67.52, 70% women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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