The Effect of Long-term Intermittent Fasting on Spatial Memory in Rats
Jordyn Deason, Justin Roberts, Brayden Mack
Cognitive decline in the aging population is a crucial health care issue which continues to progress at an accelerated rate. Intermittent fasting has been found to mitigate cognitive decline and enhance the brain’s ability to resist effects of aging. In this study, we examined the effects of intermittent fasting on the spatial memory of aging rats. Twelve age-paired rats were divided into two groups. Fasted rats and rats fed ad libitum (ad lib) were subject to multiple trials of a Morris Water Maze (MWM) to assess their spatial memory at different ages. The group of fasted rats were exposed to intermittent fasting regularly for approximately two years. The standard protocol involved a 24-hour fast twice a week and followed by ad lib feeding the other five days of the week. Comparing the performance of the two groups of rats in the MWM provided insight into whether intermittent fasting helps prevent decline in spatial memory of aging rats. Fasted rats performed significantly better during the MWM trials. In conclusion, intermittent fasting may be a meaningful and affordable practice that elderly people could practice regularly to delay the effects of age-related cognitive decline.
Jordyn Deason is a junior biology major with an emphasis in pre-vet from McCormick, South Carolina. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and a tutor at the ASC. When she is not on campus, she can be found volunteering at Greenwood Veterinary Hospital, working at Helios Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Center, giving softball lessons, or at home with her dog.
Justin Roberts is from Ninety Six, South Carolina and is currently pursuing a biology degree with minors in chemistry and psychology at Lander University. He enjoys nature, powerlifting, video games, and health related sciences. Justin plans to go to medical school and become an MD to further his knowledge of the human body and to continue research in aging and other vectors of health.
Brayden Mack is a junior from Swansea S.C. that is majoring in chemistry with an emphasis in health sciences. He plans to graduate in spring 2025 and further his education in medical or optometry school. He is part of Lander University Honors College and Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.