Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Discover Unexpected Brain Health Benefits

A recent study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine and the National Institute on Aging revealed that both intermittent fasting and a standard healthy diet can enhance brain function in obese adults with insulin resistance. The study, which involved 40 older adults with obesity and insulin resistance, found that intermittent fasting showed slightly better cognitive improvements than the standard healthy diet recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Participants were randomly assigned to follow either an intermittent fasting regimen or the USDA-approved healthy diet. Both dietary approaches led to improvements in brain function and metabolic health, with intermittent fasting showing more pronounced cognitive gains. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, focused on assessing the impact of the two diets on a wide panel of biomarkers related to brain health.

The findings suggest that both intermittent fasting and a standard healthy diet can be beneficial for individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. However, researchers caution that people interested in intermittent fasting should consult with a healthcare provider, as it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions.

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
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AccentSpeed

Intermittent/ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt/adjective
Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.

Cognitive/ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv/adjective
Relating to the mental processes of perception memory judgment and reasoning.

Metabolic/ˌmɛt.əˈbɒl.ɪk/adjective
Relating to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

Biomarkers/ˈbaɪoʊˌmɑrkərs/noun
A measurable substance in an organism whose presence is indicative of some phenomenon such as disease infection or environmental exposure.

Consult/kənˈsʌlt/verb
To seek information or advice from someone with expertise in a particular area.

Impairment/ɪmˈpɛr.mənt/noun
The state of having a disability or dysfunction that hinders normal functioning.

How much do you know?

What was the main focus of the study by researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine and the National Institute on Aging?
Effect of exercise on brain health
Enhancing brain function in obese adults with insulin resistance
Impact of sleep on cognitive abilities
Nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables
How many adults participated in the study on intermittent fasting and a healthy diet?
20
50
40
30
Which diet showed slightly better cognitive improvements in the study?
Standard healthy diet from the USDA
Intermittent fasting
Ketogenic diet
Vegetarian diet
Where was the study on brain health and dietary approaches published?
Nature Communications
Cell Metabolism
Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Psychological Science
Who should consult with a healthcare provider before trying intermittent fasting?
Only individuals with obesity
Everyone interested in fasting
People with certain medical conditions
Only the elderly
What did the study findings suggest about intermittent fasting and brain health?
Intermittent fasting has no impact on brain function
Only a vegetarian diet is beneficial for brain health
Both intermittent fasting and a healthy diet can be beneficial
A ketogenic diet is the best for brain health
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
AccentSpeed
Intermittent/ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt/adjective
Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
Cognitive/ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv/adjective
Relating to the mental processes of perception memory judgment and reasoning.
Metabolic/ˌmɛt.əˈbɒl.ɪk/adjective
Relating to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
Biomarkers/ˈbaɪoʊˌmɑrkərs/noun
A measurable substance in an organism whose presence is indicative of some phenomenon such as disease infection or environmental exposure.
Consult/kənˈsʌlt/verb
To seek information or advice from someone with expertise in a particular area.
Impairment/ɪmˈpɛr.mənt/noun
The state of having a disability or dysfunction that hinders normal functioning.

How much do you know?

What was the main focus of the study by researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine and the National Institute on Aging?
Effect of exercise on brain health
Enhancing brain function in obese adults with insulin resistance
Impact of sleep on cognitive abilities
Nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables
How many adults participated in the study on intermittent fasting and a healthy diet?
20
50
40
30
Which diet showed slightly better cognitive improvements in the study?
Standard healthy diet from the USDA
Intermittent fasting
Ketogenic diet
Vegetarian diet
Where was the study on brain health and dietary approaches published?
Nature Communications
Cell Metabolism
Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Psychological Science
Who should consult with a healthcare provider before trying intermittent fasting?
Only individuals with obesity
Everyone interested in fasting
People with certain medical conditions
Only the elderly
What did the study findings suggest about intermittent fasting and brain health?
Intermittent fasting has no impact on brain function
Only a vegetarian diet is beneficial for brain health
Both intermittent fasting and a healthy diet can be beneficial
A ketogenic diet is the best for brain health
This question is required

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