This could slow down the aging process for the brain.
As we age, our bodies, including our brains, naturally undergo the aging process, leading to a decline in certain cognitive functions such as memory and learning. The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that adopting a healthy lifestyle, encompassing physical activity, stress management, social connections, and proper nutrition, can contribute to slowing down brain aging.
Researchers from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, have delved into the impact of calorie restriction on protecting the brain from aging. Their findings, recently published in the journal Nature Communications, pinpoint a specific gene that undergoes enhancement through calorie restriction, facilitating processes crucial for healthy brain aging. Dr. Lisa Ellerby, a professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and co-senior author of the study, highlighted the significance of studying calorie restriction’s effects on brain aging, given the vulnerability of the brain during the aging process.
The decision to explore the relationship between calorie restriction and brain aging stems from the recognition of dietary restriction as a significant intervention in the aging process. Dr. Ellerby emphasized that the brain is particularly susceptible to the aging process, making it crucial to understand factors modulated by dietary restriction that can protect the brain. The study serves as an initial step in comprehending how various forms of caloric restriction, including intermittent fasting, may impact brain aging.
In line with this research, a review published in February 2021 suggested that dietary restriction could potentially safeguard the brain against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Dr. Ellerby stressed that age-related diseases pose a significant challenge in the 21st century, with aging being the primary risk factor for various brain diseases. She highlighted the importance of exploring ways to postpone or slow down the aging process, as there are currently no available treatments to cure diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Understanding methods to prevent or decelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases becomes crucial in addressing these challenging health issues.
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