Effects of Dietary Interventions on the Aging Brain

Phase IV Interventional Study: Effects of Dietary Interventions on Brain Functions in Healthy Elderly People

The researchers will investigate whether caloric restriction or dietary supplementation could provide positive effects on general brain functions in healthy elderly people.

The age-related degradation of cognitive functions even to the point of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are a growing public-health concern with devastating effects.

Referring to animal data, empirical studies, and pilot human trials, a healthy diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids and low in calories should improve cognitive functions such as learning and memory. To test this hypothesis, the researchers study general brain functions in healthy elderly subjects (50-80 years old) during a short term diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy subjects
• 50-80 years old
• moderate to heavy weight (BMI 25-30)
• must be able to change diet/take supplements at home

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes
• younger than 50 years
• BMI < 25
• psychiatric medication
• severe disease
• MMSE < 26
• eating disorders