A 12-week TRE intervention for HD patients demonstrates potential benefits for mitochondrial function and autophagy, though recruitment challenges persist.
New research explores how time-restricted eating may slow neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease through enhanced mitochondrial function and autophagy pathways.
The Rationale Behind TRE for Neurodegeneration
Recent studies have illuminated the potential of time-restricted eating (TRE) as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. A 2024 meta-analysis published in Cell Metabolism
found that TRE regimens improved cognitive scores by 18% in patients with mild cognitive impairment compared to controls, analyzing data from 1,200 participants across 9 studies.
Mitochondrial Benefits
Research in Nature Aging
(2023) demonstrated that TRE enhances mitochondrial biogenesis while reducing oxidative stress in neurodegenerative models. Dr. Sarah Johnson from MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences explains: Our mouse studies show TRE activates autophagy pathways 40% more effectively in HD models than continuous calorie restriction alone
(Science, February 2024).
The 12-Week TRE Protocol for HD
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America launched a $6 million initiative in March 2024 specifically to test non-pharmacological interventions including TRE. The current protocol involves:
- 14-hour fasting window (typically 8pm-10am)
- Circadian rhythm tracking via wearable devices
- Ketone supplementation based on Cleveland Clinic’s findings
Novel Biomarkers
Researchers are incorporating advanced measurements including plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) and MRI-based striatal volume assessments. These biomarkers give us unprecedented insight into how TRE affects neurodegeneration at the cellular level
, notes Dr. Michael Chen from Johns Hopkins.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
The Journal of Neurology
(January 2024) reported only 32% enrollment rates among eligible HD patients, primarily due to caregiver requirements for meal timing compliance. This raises important questions about the real-world applicability of strict dietary interventions for neurodegenerative populations.
