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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Cut Calories for a Sharper Mind

Study finds that restricted eating leads to better memory in older adults

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(Newser) – It's been shown in rats and monkeys, and now the first human study looking at the effects of calorie restriction on memory also confirms that eating less can improve your brain. A German research team gave 50 older adults a diet with normal nutrients but 30% fewer calories, and found a big spike in memory performance, Scientific American reports.

The restricted-calorie diet also led to a small weight drop, compared to two control groups, as well as lower blood insulin and markers of inflammation. Although the findings are promising, the small number of subjects and problems controlling all the potential variables have caused the authors to prescribe caution. With plenty of follow-ups planned, we'll soon have the skinny on diet and memory.

The experimental group got a 30% reduction in total calories, with normal amounts of nutrients. A second group ate more unsaturated fats but kept their total fat consumption constant.
The experimental group got a 30% reduction in total calories, with normal amounts of nutrients. A second group ate more unsaturated fats but kept their total fat consumption constant.   (©cameronparkins)
In previous studies in mice, restriction of calories has been shown to encourage growth of new neurons in the brain, and possibly slow the appearance of Alzheimer's-like symptoms.
In previous studies in mice, restriction of calories has been shown to encourage growth of new neurons in the brain, and possibly slow the appearance of Alzheimer's-like symptoms.   (©LoreleiRanveig)
The control group, which saw no improvements in memory over the course of the study, stuck to a normal diet, with no restriction of calories or carbs.
The control group, which saw no improvements in memory over the course of the study, stuck to a normal diet, with no restriction of calories or carbs.   (©jslander)
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professortech
Mar 4, 09 3:20 PM CST
Could it be that they re trying to remember when they ate their last meal? ;-) Reply
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The study's abstract
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

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