Shafaqna English- New research from the UNC School of Medicine reveals that a high-fat diet can disrupt memory circuits in the brain within just four days—even before weight gain occurs.
Published in Neuron, the study shows that specific brain cells in the hippocampus, known as CCK interneurons, become abnormally hyperactive when exposed to a high-fat diet, impairing memory processing.
The disruption stems from reduced glucose availability in the brain, which triggers overactivity in these neurons. Researchers found that restoring glucose levels or implementing intermittent fasting could normalize neuron activity and rescue memory function in mice.
“We were surprised how quickly these memory circuits became vulnerable to a high-fat diet,” said Lead Researcher Juan Song, PhD. The findings highlight the direct and rapid impact of nutrition on cognitive health and suggest that early interventions—such as dietary adjustments or pharmacological strategies—could help protect against obesity-related neurodegeneration and memory decline.
Source: UNC School of Medicine