This 2019 report in the National Library of Medicine (National Center for Biotechnology Information) looks at lifestyles and dietary habits associated with PD. A fasting mimicking diet (FMD), fasting 3 days followed by 4 days of refeeding for three 1-week cycles, which accelerated the retention of motor function and attenuated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrathydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mice. Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), known to promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons, were increased in PD mice after FMD, suggesting the involvement of BDNF in FMD-mediated neuroprotection. The findings showed that FMD also inhibited neuroinflammation and modulated the shifts in gut microbiota composition.
BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors)
Brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF or abrineurin) is a protein encoded by the BDNF gene which plays a role in cell growth, maturation, and maintenance. BDNF is found in nerve cells, the brain, and the periphery. It helps to support neuronal survival and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. BDNF participates in neurotransmission, cellular communication, and neuroprotection. In the brain, it is particularly associated with learning and memory. The majority of neurons in the mammalian brain are formed before birth but some parts of the brain retain the ability to grow new neurons from neural stem cells. This process is called neurogenesis. BDNF is one of the most active neurotrophin proteins that helps stimulate and control neurogenesis. Niacin appears to upregulate BDNF; diet can influence BDNF levels and certain types of exercise increase BDNF synthesis in the human brain. The ketone BHB which is elevated during fasting may induce the expression of BDNF. Studies have shown a possible link between BDNF and certain conditions. Data shows that PD patients tend to have lower levels of BDNF.
Source: Wikipedia