Researcher
Mark Mattson
Last updated Sat May 30 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Background
Mark Mattson led the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) from 2000 to 2019. He is now Adjunct Professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins. Best known for translational work on intermittent fasting, exercise, and brain aging.
Key contributions
- Established intermittent fasting as a research-grade intervention, not just a diet trend.
- Demonstrated BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) upregulation by IF, exercise, and ketones — the mechanistic basis for cognitive resilience.
- Studied β-hydroxybutyrate signalling in brain.
- Work on neuronal hormesis: cellular stress as protection against neurodegeneration.
- The 2019 NEJM review of IF (with Rafael de Cabo) is the most-cited comprehensive synthesis of the field.
Public role
Authored The Intermittent Fasting Revolution (2022); active speaker on lifestyle factors for brain aging.
Related entries
Intermittent fasting, Hormesis, Cognitive decline, Sleep optimization.
References
- de Cabo, R. & Mattson, M. P. Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease. N. Engl. J. Med. 381, 2541–2551 (2019).