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Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans.

ABSTRACT: Animal studies suggest that diets low in calories and rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) are beneficial for cognitive function in age. Here, we tested in a prospective interventional design whether the same effects can be induced in humans. Fifty healthy, normal- to overweight elderly subjects (29 females, mean age 60.5 years, mean body mass index 28 kg/m(2)) were stratified into 3 groups: (i) caloric restriction (30% reduction), (ii) relative increased intake of UFAs (20% increase, unchanged total fat), and (iii) control. Before and after 3 months of intervention, memory performance was assessed under standardized conditions. We found a significant increase in verbal memory scores after caloric restriction (mean increase 20%; P < 0.001), which was correlated with decreases in fasting plasma levels of insulin and high sensitive C-reactive protein, most pronounced in subjects with best adherence to the diet (all r values < -0.8; all P values <0.05). Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor remained unchanged. No significant memory changes were observed in the other 2 groups. This interventional trial demonstrates beneficial effects of caloric restriction on memory performance in healthy elderly subjects. Mechanisms underlying this improvement might include higher synaptic plasticity and stimulation of neurofacilitatory pathways in the brain because of improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammatory activity. Our study may help to generate novel prevention strategies to maintain cognitive functions into old age.

SUBMITTER: Witte AV

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2633586 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans.

Witte A V AV Fobker M M Gellner R R Knecht S S Flöel A A

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20090126 4

Animal studies suggest that diets low in calories and rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) are beneficial for cognitive function in age. Here, we tested in a prospective interventional design whether the same effects can be induced in humans. Fifty healthy, normal- to overweight elderly subjects (29 females, mean age 60.5 years, mean body mass index 28 kg/m(2)) were stratified into 3 groups: (i) caloric restriction (30% reduction), (ii) relative increased intake of UFAs (20% increase, unchanged ...[more]

PMID: 19171901

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Project description:BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Endocannabinoids (ECs) are associated with obesity and ectopic fat accumulation, both of which play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The effect of prolonged caloric restriction on ECs in relation to fat distribution and cardiac function is still unknown. Therefore, our aim was to investigate this relationship in obese T2D patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS/METHODS:In a prospective intervention study, obese T2D patients with CAD (n?=?27) followed a 16 week very low calorie diet (VLCD; 450-1000?kcal/day). Cardiac function and fat accumulation were assessed with MRI and spectroscopy. Plasma levels of lipid species, including ECs, were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS:VLCD decreased plasma levels of virtually all measured lipid species of the class of N-acylethanolamines including the EC anandamide (AEA; -15%, p?=?0.016), without decreasing monoacylglycerols including the EC 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Baseline plasma AEA levels strongly correlated with the volume of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SAT; R2?=?0.44, p?<?0.001). VLCD decreased the volume of SAT (-53%, p?<?0.001), visceral white adipose tissue (VAT) (-52%, p?<?0.001), epicardial white adipose tissue (-15%, p?<?0.001) and paracardial white adipose tissue (-28%, p?<?0.001). VLCD also decreased hepatic (-86%, p?<?0.001) and myocardial (-33%, p?<?0.001) fat content. These effects were accompanied by an increased left ventricular ejection fraction (54.8?±?8.7-56.2?±?7.9%, p?=?0.016). CONCLUSIONS:Caloric restriction in T2D patients with CAD decreases AEA levels, but not 2-AG levels, which is paralleled by decreased lipid accumulation in adipose tissue, liver and heart, and improved cardiovascular function. Interestingly, baseline AEA levels strongly correlated with SAT volume. We anticipate that dietary interventions are worthwhile strategies in advanced T2D, and that reduction in AEA may contribute to the improved cardiometabolic phenotype induced by weight loss.

Dataset Information

Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans.

Publications

Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans.

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