Login / Register

Which diet is best for the aging brain?

Combined with calorie restriction, a low-fat diet may protect the aging brain against inflammation-related activation of microglia, according to a new study of mice.

Combined with calorie restriction, a low-fat diet may protect the aging brain against inflammation-related activation of microglia, according to a new study of mice.

Microglia is a type of immune cell whose dysfunction has been linked to development problems and diseases of the brain and central nervous system (CNS).

The study discovered that exercise was far less effective than restricting calorie intake at preventing the inflammatory activation of microglia brought on by aging.

Described as the "resident immune cells" of the brain and the rest of the CNS, microglia oversee many processes that underpin their development and function.

Scientists have found that microglia play an essential role in the development of neurons, or nerve cells, as well as in the transmission of signals between neurons.

We also know that, as we age, some regions of the brain become inflamed because of microglia activity. But what is not clear is how this process responds to diet and lifestyle.

"Obesity and aging," are both prevalent and increasing in societies worldwide, but the consequences for the central nervous system are not well understood.

The researchers examined the effect of high-fat and low-fat diets on markers of inflammation and microglia activity in the hypothalami of mice aged 6 months. At this age, mice are adult but not elderly.

They also investigated the impact of high-fat and low-fat diets on the microglia of two groups of elderly 2-year-old mice.

One group had been raised on a lifelong regime of exercise (they could voluntarily use an exercise wheel), while the other had been raised on a lifelong regime of 40 percent calorie restriction but with no exercise.

The findings revealed that only a low-fat diet combined with calorie restriction prevented microglia-driven inflammation brought on by aging. A low-fat diet per se was not sufficient to prevent these changes.

The researchers also found that exercise was far less effective at preventing these aging-related changes than calorie restriction.

This is in contrast to findings by other groups that suggest that exercise might reduce the risk of developing other diseases.

Also, further work is needed to establish the extent to which these changes are related to changes in cognitive performance.

Only when fat content and caloric intake are limited, can aging-induced changes in microglia be prevented.

medicalnewstoday.com

Comments

Login to post comment.

NBML Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest news and events by subscribing to the National Brain Mapping Lab newsletter.

Payment for Services Get Certificate Support
Home
Search
Categories
Club
Profile