Abstract: A method includes a step of identifying a subject in need of diet modification; and administering a first diet to the subject for a first time period. The first diet provides 4.5 to 7 kilocalories per pound of subject for a first day and 3 to 5 kilocalories per pound of subject per day for a second to fifth day of the first diet. The first diet includes less than 30 g of sugar on the first day; less than 20 g of sugar on the second to fifth days; less than 28 g of proteins on the first day; less than 18 g of proteins on days the second to fifth days; 20 to 30 grams of monounsaturated fats on the first day; 10 to 15 grams of monounsaturated fats on the second to fifth days; and between 6 and 10 grams of polyunsaturated fats on the first day.

Abstract: The invention herein comprises antibodies that bind to amyloid beta-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs). ADDLs comprise amyloid &bgr; protein assembled into soluble, globular, non-fibrillar, oligomeric structures capable of activating specific cellular processes. The invention also comprises methods of using ADDL-specific antibodies for assaying the formation, presence, receptor protein binding and cellular activity of ADDLs, as well as using such antibodies to detect compounds that block the formation or activity of ADDLs, and methods of identifying such compounds. The invention further provides methods of using ADDL-specific antibodies in modulating ADDL formation and/or activity, inter alia in the treatment of learning and/or memory disorders.