Effect of dietary restriction and exercise on behavioral outcomes and brain pathology in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease

项目总结：大厅工程

PROJECT SUMMARY: HALL PROJECT Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most devastating diseases of our time; with nearly 6 million diagnosed it ranks as the third leading cause of death among older adults. In the race for a cure one thing is certain—diet and exercise reduce risks. However, the mechanisms responsible for the reduced risks are unknown. Several studies have linked dietary restriction and exercise to improved memory, reduced amyloid beta plaques, and tau protein tangles in AD. This project will evaluate if intermittent fasting (IF), a popular method of dietary restriction, administered independently and in combination with exercise, is neuroprotective in a novel model of AD, the TgF344-AD transgenic rat. The aims of this project are three-fold. 1) To characterize IF protective effects on behavioral outcomes (memory, coordination, and strength) in the TgF344-AD rat. 2) To determine if exercise provides additional protection when combined with IF. 3) To assess the effects of IF independent and in combination with exercise on AD pathology and protective pathways of interest. This project will result in an unveiling of the effect of IF in the brain and skeletal muscles tissue in the TgF344-AD animal and project could establish a pathway of protection for future research into pharmacological treatment of this devastating disease.