Substantial Calorie Restriction Might Improve Memory

In older women, a short-term reduced-calorie diet led to better scores on a memory test.

Studies in virtually all animals — yeast, worms, flies, mammals — show that severe calorie restriction enhances vitality, lengthens life, and improves memory function. In addition, studies of patients with Alzheimer disease suggest that diets high in ω-3 fatty acids improve cognitive function and memory.

A German group hypothesized that low intake of calories and high intake of ω-3 fatty acids are beneficial for memory function in elders. They studied 50 healthy older women (mean age, 60; mean body-mass index, 28 kg/m²) who were randomized to one of three diets:

30% relative reduction in caloric intake
20% relative increase in unsaturated ω-3 fatty-acid intake
No dietary change

Baseline scores on memory tests were virtually identical in the thre…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate